Integrated circuit and method of forming an integrated circuit

ABSTRACT

An IC structure includes a cell, a first rail and a second rail. The cell includes a first and a second active region and a first gate structure. The first and second active region extend in a first direction and is located at a first level. The second active region is separated from the first active region in a second direction. The first gate structure extends in the second direction, overlaps the first and second active region, and is located at a second level. The first rail extends in the first direction, overlaps the first active region, is configured to supply a first supply voltage, and is located at a third level. The second rail extends in the first direction, overlaps the second active region, is located at the third level, separated from the first rail in the second direction, and is configured to supply a second supply voltage.

BACKGROUND

The recent trend in miniaturizing integrated circuits (ICs) has resultedin smaller devices which consume less power yet provide morefunctionality at higher speeds. The miniaturization process has alsoresulted in stricter design and manufacturing specifications as well asreliability challenges. Various electronic design automation (EDA) toolsgenerate, optimize and verify standard cell layout designs forintegrated circuits while ensuring that the standard cell layout designand manufacturing specifications are met.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a layout design of an IC structure, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are diagrams of an IC structure, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of a layout design of an IC structure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a diagram of a layout design of an IC structure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a diagram of a layout design of an IC structure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a layout design of an IC structure, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams of an IC structure, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a layout design of a portion of an IC structure,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a layout design of a portion of an IC structure,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of a layout design of a portion of an IC structure,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of a layout design of a portion of an IC structure,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7C is a diagram of a layout design of a portion of an IC structure,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7D is a diagram of a layout design of a portion of an IC structure,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of forming an IC structure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart of a method of generating a cell layout patternof an IC, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9B is a flowchart of a method of placing a cell layout pattern ofan IC, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system of designing an IC layout design,in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides different embodiments, or examples,for implementing features of the provided subject matter. Specificexamples of components, materials, values, steps, arrangements, or thelike, are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are,of course, merely examples and are not limiting. Other components,materials, values, steps, arrangements, or the like, are contemplated.For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a secondfeature in the description that follows may include embodiments in whichthe first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may alsoinclude embodiments in which additional features may be formed betweenthe first and second features, such that the first and second featuresmay not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure mayrepeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. Thisrepetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not initself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/orconfigurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

In accordance with some embodiments, an IC structure includes a firststandard cell, a first rail and a second rail. The first standard cellincludes a first active region, a second active region and a first gatestructure. The first active region extends in a first direction and islocated at a first level. The second active region extends in the firstdirection, is located at the first level, and is separated from thefirst active region in a second direction different from the firstdirection. The first gate structure extends in the second direction,overlaps the first active region and the second active region, and islocated at a second level different from the first level.

The first rail extends in the first direction, overlaps the first activeregion, is configured to supply a first supply voltage, and is locatedat a third level different from the first level and the second level.The second rail extends in the first direction, overlaps the secondactive region, is located at the third level, is separated from thefirst rail in the second direction, and is configured to supply a secondsupply voltage different from the first supply voltage.

In some embodiments, a center of the first rail is aligned in the firstdirection with a center of the first active region. In some embodiments,a center of the second rail is aligned in the first direction with acenter of the second active region. In some embodiments, the firstactive region is a p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) region, andthe second active region is n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS)region.

In some embodiments, in comparison with other approaches, the firstactive region and the second active region provide a larger arearesulting in better speed performance and lower resistance.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a layout design 100 of an IC structure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

Layout design 100 includes a first region 102 between a second region104 and a third region 106. First region 102 is adjacent to secondregion 104 and third region 106. First region 102 is on a same layoutlevel as one or more of second region 104 or third region 106.

First region 102 includes a shallow trench isolation (STI) layoutpattern 102 a between second region 104 and third region 106. STI layoutpattern 102 a is usable to manufacture a corresponding STI structure 208(shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of an IC structure 200.

STI layout pattern 102 a extends in a first direction X, and has a widthW1 in a second direction Y different from the first direction X. In someembodiments, a center of STI layout pattern 102 a is a center of layoutdesign 100.

Second region 104 includes a first active region layout pattern 104 aand an STI layout pattern 104 b.

First active region layout pattern 104 a extends in the first directionX, and has a width W1 a in the second direction Y. First active regionlayout pattern 104 a is usable to manufacture a corresponding firstactive region 204 a (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200. A sideof first active region layout pattern 104 a is aligned with a side ofSTI layout pattern 104 b along gridline 126 a. A side of first activeregion layout pattern 104 a is aligned with a side of STI layout pattern102 a along gridline 126 b.

STI layout pattern 104 b extends in first direction X and has a width W2a in second direction Y. A side of STI layout pattern 104 b is alignedwith a side 130 a of layout design 100 in the first direction X.

Third region 106 includes a second active region layout pattern 106 aand an STI layout pattern 106 b.

Second active region layout pattern 106 a extends in the first directionX, and has a width W1 b in the second direction Y. Second active regionlayout pattern 106 a is usable to manufacture a corresponding secondactive region 206 a (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200. A sideof second active region layout pattern 106 a is aligned with a side ofSTI layout pattern 106 b along gridline 128 b. A side of second activeregion layout pattern 106 a is aligned with a side of STI layout pattern102 a along gridline 128 a. STI layout pattern 102 a is between firstactive region layout pattern 104 a and second active region layoutpattern 106 a. First active region layout pattern 104 a or second activeregion layout pattern 106 a is on a first layout level of layout design100. Other configurations in the first active region layout pattern 104a and second active region layout pattern 106 a are within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

STI layout pattern 106 b extends in first direction X and has a width W2b in second direction Y. A side of STI layout pattern 106 b is alignedwith a side 130 b of layout design 100. The side 130 b of layout design100 is an opposite side of layout design 100 from the side 130 a oflayout design 100. In some embodiments, a center of STI layout pattern104 b or 106 b is aligned in the second direction Y with a center oflayout design 100.

One or more of STI layout pattern 102 a, 104 b or 106 b is on a secondlayout level of layout design 100. Second layout level of layout design100 is different from first layout level. In some embodiments, thesecond layout level is above the first layout level. In someembodiments, the second layout level is below the first layout level.

Other configurations in STI layout pattern 102 a, 104 b or 106 b arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 a, W1 b, W2 a, W2 b, W4 a(shown in FIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) is the same as a differentwidth of widths W1, W1 a, W1 b, W2 a or W2 b. In some embodiments, awidth of widths W1, W1 a, W1 b, W2 a, W2 b, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) orW4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) differs from a different width of widths W1, W1a, W1 b, W2 a, W2 b, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A).

Layout design 100 further includes one or more fin layout patterns 110a, 110 b, . . . , 110 f (hereinafter referred to as a “first set of finlayout patterns 110”) each extending in first direction X, and beingover the first active region layout pattern 104 a. Each of the layoutpatterns of the first set of fin layout patterns 110 is separated froman adjacent layout pattern of the first set of fin layout patterns 110in the second direction Y by a fin pitch P1. The first set of fin layoutpatterns 110 is usable to manufacture a corresponding first set of fins210 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200. Other configurations orquantities of fins in the first set of fin layout patterns 110 arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

Layout design 100 further includes one or more fin layout patterns 112a, 112 b, . . . , 112 f (hereinafter referred to as a “second set of finlayout patterns 112”) each extending in first direction X, and beingover the second active region layout pattern 106 a. Each of the layoutpatterns of the second set of fin layout patterns 112 is separated froman adjacent layout pattern of the second set of fin layout patterns 112in the second direction Y by a fin pitch P2. The fin pitch P2 is thesame as the fin pitch P1. In some embodiments, at least one fin pitch P2between a pair of adjacent layout patterns of the second set of finlayout patterns 112 is different from fin pitch P1 between a pair ofadjacent layout patterns of the first set of fin layout patterns 110.The second set of fin layout patterns 112 is usable to manufacture acorresponding second set of fins 212 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of ICstructure 200. Other configurations or quantities in the second set offin layout patterns 112 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

At least the first set of fin layout patterns 110 or the second set offin layout patterns 110 is on the second layout level of layout design100. In some embodiments, first set of fin layout patterns 110 or secondset of fin layout patterns 110 is on a layout level of layout design 100different from the second layout level.

Layout design 100 further includes a first gate layout pattern 114extending in the second direction Y, and overlapping the first set offin layout patterns 110 and the second set of fin layout patterns 112.First gate layout pattern 114 is usable to manufacture a correspondingfirst gate structure 214 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200. Insome embodiments, a center of the first gate layout pattern 114 isaligned in the second direction Y with the center of STI layout pattern104 b, 106 b or the center of layout design 100. The first set of finlayout patterns 110 and the second set of fin layout patterns 112 arebelow the first gate layout pattern 114. Other configurations in firstgate layout pattern 114 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

First gate layout pattern 114 is on a third layout level different fromthe first layout level and the second layout level. In some embodiments,the third layout level is above one or more of the first or secondlayout level. In some embodiments, the third layout level is below oneor more of the first or second layout level.

Layout design 100 further includes a first dummy gate layout pattern 116a and a second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b.

First dummy gate layout pattern 116 a extends in the second direction Y,and is over a third side 124 a of layout design 100. The first dummygate layout pattern 116 a is usable to manufacture a corresponding firstdummy gate structure 216 a (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200.In some embodiments, a center of the first dummy gate layout pattern 116a is aligned in the second direction Y with the third side 124 a oflayout design 100. In some embodiments, first dummy gate layout pattern116 a is a continuous polysilicon on oxide diffusion (OD) edge (CPODE)layout pattern. Other configurations in first dummy gate layout pattern116 a are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b extends in the second directionY, and is over a fourth side 124 b of layout design 100. The fourth side124 b of layout design 100 is an opposite side of layout design 100 fromthe third side 124 a of layout design 100. The second dummy gate layoutpattern 116 b is usable to manufacture a corresponding second dummy gatestructure 216 b (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200. In someembodiments, a center of the second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b isaligned in the second direction Y with the fourth side 124 b of layoutdesign 100. In some embodiments, second dummy gate layout pattern 116 bis a CPODE layout pattern. Other configurations in second dummy gatelayout pattern 116 b are within the scope of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, at least one of first dummy gate layout pattern 116 aor second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b is a discontinuous set ofdummy gate patterns (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A and 6B) extending in thesecond direction Y, and being spaced from each other in the seconddirection Y. In some embodiments, first dummy gate layout pattern 116 aoverlaps the third side 124 a of layout design 100. In some embodiments,second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b overlaps the fourth side 124 b oflayout design 100.

In some embodiments, second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b is a CPODElayout pattern.

First dummy gate layout pattern 116 a or second dummy gate layoutpattern 116 b is on the third layout level.

Layout design 100 further includes a first rail layout pattern 118 a anda second rail layout pattern 118 b.

First rail layout pattern 118 a extends in the first direction X andoverlaps the first active region layout pattern 104 a. First rail layoutpattern 118 a is usable to manufacture a corresponding first rail 218 a(shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200. The first rail 218 a isconfigured to supply a first supply voltage VDD. In some embodiments,the first rail 218 a is configured to supply a second supply voltage VSSdifferent from the first supply voltage VDD. First rail layout pattern118 a overlaps the third side 124 a and the fourth side 124 b of layoutdesign 100. First rail layout pattern 118 a is over a center 120 a ofthe first active region layout pattern 104 a. In some embodiments, firstrail layout pattern 118 a is over fin layout patterns 110 c and 110 d.In some embodiments, a center 120 b of first rail layout pattern 118 ais aligned in the first direction X with the center 120 a of firstactive region layout pattern 104 a.

Second rail layout pattern 118 b extends in the first direction X andoverlaps the second active region layout pattern 106 a. Second raillayout pattern 118 b is separated from the first rail layout pattern 118a in the second direction Y. Second rail layout pattern 118 b is usableto manufacture a corresponding second rail 218 b (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C)of IC structure 200. The second rail 218 b is configured to supply thesecond supply voltage VSS. In some embodiments, the second rail 218 b isconfigured to supply the first supply voltage VDD. Second rail layoutpattern 118 b overlaps the third side 124 a and the fourth side 124 b oflayout design 100. Second rail layout pattern 118 b is over a center 122a of the second active region layout pattern 106 a. In some embodiments,second rail layout pattern 118 b is over fin layout patterns 112 c and112 d. In some embodiments, a center 122 b of second rail layout pattern118 b is aligned in the first direction X with the center 122 a ofsecond active region layout pattern 106 a. Other configurations of firstrail layout pattern 118 a or second rail layout pattern 118 b are withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

First rail layout pattern 118 a or second rail layout pattern 118 b ison a fourth layout level different from the first layout level, thesecond layout level and the third layout level. In some embodiments, thefourth layout level is above one or more of the first, second or thirdlayout level. In some embodiments, the fourth layout level is below oneor more of the first, second or third layout level.

Layout design 100 further includes a set of via layout patterns 132 a,132 b, and 132 c. Set of via layout patterns 132 a, 132 b and 132 c areover the first gate layout pattern 114. Set of via layout patterns 132a, 132 b and 132 c are usable to manufacture a corresponding set of vias220 a, 220 b and 220 c (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) of IC structure 200. Insome embodiments, a center of one or more via layout patterns of the setof via layout patterns 132 a, 132 b or 132 c is over a center of thefirst gate layout pattern 114 or layout design 100. In some embodiments,the center of a via layout pattern of the set of via layout patterns 132a, 132 b or 132 c is aligned in the second direction Y with another vialayout pattern of the set of via layout patterns 132 a, 132 b or 132 c.Other configurations of via layout patterns 132 a, 132 b or 132 c arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, layout design 100 is a standard cell 101 of an ICstructure. Standard cell 101 has a width (not shown) in first directionX, and a height H1 in second direction Y. In some embodiments, standardcell 101 is a logic gate cell. In some embodiments, a logic gate cellincludes an AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, INV, AND-OR-Invert (AOI),OR-AND-Invert (OAI), MUX, Flip-flop, BUFF, Latch, delay, clock cells, orthe like. In some embodiments, a standard cell is a memory cell. In someembodiments, a memory cell includes a static random access memory(SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a resistive RAM (RRAM), a magnetoresistiveRAM (MRAM) read only memory (ROM), or the like. In some embodiments, astandard cell includes one or more active or passive elements. Examplesof active elements include, but are not limited to, transistors anddiodes. Examples of transistors include, but are not limited to, metaloxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET), complementarymetal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors, bipolar junctiontransistors (BJT), high voltage transistors, high frequency transistors,p-channel and/or n-channel field effect transistors (PFETs/NFETs),etc.), FinFETs, planar MOS transistors with raised source/drain, or thelike. Examples of passive elements include, but are not limited to,capacitors, inductors, fuses, resistors, or the like. Standard cell 101includes other features not shown for ease of illustration.

In some embodiments, first rail layout pattern 118 a or second raillayout pattern 118 b are part of standard cell 101, 301A-301C, 401,701A-701D or array 601. In some embodiments, first rail layout pattern118 a or second rail layout pattern 118 b are not part of standard cell101, 301A-301C, 401, 601, 701A-701D or array 601.

In some embodiments, at least via layout pattern 132 a, 132 b, 132 c,first dummy gate layout pattern 116 a or the second dummy gate layoutpattern 116 b is part of standard cell 101, 301A-301C, 401, 701A-701D orarray 601. In some embodiments, at least via layout pattern 132 a, 132b, 132 c, first dummy gate layout pattern 116 a or the second dummy gatelayout pattern 116 b is not part of standard cell 101, 301A-301C, 401,701A-701D or array 601.

First rail layout pattern 118 a and second rail layout pattern 118 b areinbound power layout patterns. In some embodiments, an inbound powerlayout pattern is a power layout pattern that does not overlap an edgeof standard cell 101. In some embodiments, an outbound power layoutpattern is a power layout pattern that overlaps an edge of standard cell101.

In some embodiments, the first active region layout pattern 104 a andthe second active region layout pattern 106 a have a larger area thanother approaches. As the area of the first active region layout pattern106 a and second active area layout pattern 106 a is increased, thecorresponding active region (first active region 204 a and second activeregion 206 a) of IC structure 200 manufactured by layout design 100 isincreased, resulting in a layout design and a corresponding IC structure(e.g., IC structure 200) with increased speed performance and powerperformance compared to other approaches.

In some embodiments, by the first rail layout pattern 118 a or thesecond rail layout pattern 118 b being inbound power rail layoutpatterns, a distance in the second direction Y between the first raillayout pattern 118 a or the second rail layout pattern 118 b and thecorresponding first active region layout pattern 104 a or second activeregion layout pattern 106 a is smaller than outbound power rail layoutpatterns, and results in a layout design 100 that is used to manufacturean IC structure 200 with lower resistance, and faster speed than otherapproaches.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are diagrams of an IC structure 200, in accordancewith some embodiments. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of IC structure200 corresponding to layout design 100 as intersected by plane A-A′,FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of IC structure 200 corresponding tolayout design 100 as intersected by plane B-B′, and FIG. 2C is across-sectional view of IC structure 200 corresponding to layout design100 as intersected by plane C-C′, in accordance with some embodiments.IC structure 200 is manufactured by layout design 100.

Structural relationships and configurations of IC structure 200 aresimilar to the structural relationships and configurations of layoutdesign 100 of FIG. 1, and will not be described in FIGS. 2A-2C forbrevity.

IC structure 200 includes a first active region 204 a, a second activeregion 206 a and an intermediary region 207.

First active region 204 a is on a first level of IC structure 200. Firstactive region 204 a represents a source and/or drain diffusion portionof at least one transistor having a first dopant type. The first dopanttype is a p-dopant type. In some embodiments, the at least onetransistor includes at least one p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS)transistor, and the first active region 204 a is the source or drainportion of the at least one PMOS transistor in IC structure 200. In someembodiments, the first dopant type is an n-dopant type, the at least onetransistor includes at least one n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS)transistor, and the first active region 204 a is the source or drainportion of the at least one NMOS transistor in IC structure 200. Firstactive region 204 a and second active region 206 a are connected byintermediary region 207.

Second active region 206 a is on the first level of IC structure 200.Second active region 206 a represents a source or drain diffusionportion of at least one transistor having a second dopant type. Thesecond dopant type is an n-dopant type. In some embodiments, the atleast one transistor includes at least one NMOS transistor, and thesecond active region 206 a is the source or drain portion of the atleast one NMOS transistor in IC structure 200. In some embodiments, thesecond dopant type is a p-dopant type, and the at least one transistorincludes at least one PMOS transistor, and the second active region 206a is the source or drain portion of the at least one PMOS transistor inIC structure 200. In some embodiments, first active region 204 a orsecond active region 206 a is referred to as an oxide-definition (OD)region of IC structure 200 which defines the source or drain diffusionregions of IC structure 200. In some embodiments, the first dopant typeof the first active region 204 a is different from the second dopanttype of the second active region 206 a. For example, in someembodiments, if the first dopant type of the first active region 204 ais an n-dopant type, then the second dopant type of the second activeregion 206 a is a p-dopant type, and IC structure 200 is referred to asan NNPP structure. For example, in some embodiments, if the first dopanttype of the first active region 204 a is a p-dopant type, then thesecond dopant type of the second active region 206 a is an n-dopanttype, and IC structure 200 is referred to as an PPNN structure.

Intermediary region 207 is on the first level of IC structure 200.Intermediary region 207 is between second active region 206 a and firstactive region 204 a. In some embodiments, one or more of first activeregion 204 a, second active region 206 a or intermediary region 207 is aportion of a substrate (not shown). Other configurations of first activeregion 204 a, second active region 206 a or intermediary region 207 arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

IC structure 200 further includes a first set of fins 210 and a secondset of fins 212 extending in the first direction X. Each fin of thefirst set of fins 210 is separated from an adjacent fin of the first setof fins 210 by STI 208. In some embodiments, the first set of fins 210is part of the first active region 204 a and has the first dopant-type.Each fin of the second set of fins 212 is separated from an adjacent finof the second set of fins 212 by STI 208. In some embodiments, thesecond set of fins 212 is part of the second active region 206 a and hasthe second dopant-type. Other configurations of first set of fins 210 orsecond set of fins 212 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

IC structure 200 further includes STI 208, STI 204 b, STI 206 b and STI240. One or more of STI 208, STI 204 b, STI 206 b and STI 240 is on asecond level of IC structure 200. The second level of IC structure 200is above the first level of IC structure 200.

STI 208 separates the first set of fins 210 from the second set of fins212. In some embodiments, STI 208 separates the first active region 204a and the second active region 206 a.

STI 204 b separates IC structure 200 or first set of fins 210 from otherstructures (not shown).

STI 206 b separates IC structure 200 or second set of fins 212 fromadjacent structures (not shown). In some embodiments, one or more of STI208, STI 204 b, STI 206 b and STI 240 is a dielectric material. Otherconfigurations of STI 208, STI 204 b, STI 206 b or STI 240 are withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

IC structure 200 further includes a first gate structure 214 overlappingat least the first set of fins 210, the second set of fins 212, STI 208,STI 204 b or STI 206 b. First gate structure 214 is on a third level ofIC structure 200. The third level of IC structure 200 is above the firstlevel and the second level of IC structure 200. In some embodiments,first gate structure 214 is polysilicon. In some embodiments, at leastthe first set of fins 210 or the second set of fins 212 is embeddedwithin the first gate structure 214. Other configurations of first gatestructure 214 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

IC structure 200 further includes a first dummy gate structure 216 a anda second dummy gate structure 216 b positioned on opposite sides of ICstructure 200 from each other. First dummy gate structure 216 a and asecond dummy gate structure 216 b is on the third level of IC structure200. In some embodiments, first dummy gate structure 216 a or seconddummy gate structure 216 b is polysilicon. First dummy gate structure216 a and second dummy gate structure 216 b are referred to as a CPODEstructure. First dummy gate structure 216 a overlaps a first side 224 aof IC structure 200. Second dummy gate structure 216 b overlaps a secondside 224 b opposite of the first side 224 a of IC structure 200. In someembodiments, at least first dummy gate structure 216 a or second dummygate structure 216 b are configured to separate IC structure 200 fromother IC structures (not shown). IC structure 200 is an IC of a standardcell 201.

IC structure 200 further includes a first rail 218 a and a second rail218 b on a fourth level of IC structure 200. The fourth level of ICstructure 200 is above the first level, the second level and the thirdlevel of IC structure 200. In some embodiments the fourth level is ametal-one (M1) layer of IC structure 200.

First rail 218 a overlaps the first active region 204 a. In someembodiments, first rail 218 a overlaps a center of the first activeregion 204 a. First rail 218 a is configured to supply the first supplyvoltage VDD. In some embodiments, first rail to 218 a is configured tosupply the second supply voltage VSS. First rail 218 a does not overlapa third side 230 a of IC structure 200.

Second rail 218 b overlaps the second active region 206 a. In someembodiments, second rail 218 b overlaps a center of the first activeregion 204 a. Second rail 218 b is configured to supply the secondsupply voltage VSS. In some embodiments, second rail 218 b is configuredto supply the first supply voltage VDD. Second rail 218 b does notoverlap a fourth side 230 b of IC structure 200 opposite of the thirdside 230 a of IC structure 200. In some embodiments, first rail 218 a orsecond rail 218 b is on the M1 layer of IC structure 200. In someembodiments, at least one member of the first rail 218 a or the secondrail 218 b is a conductive material including copper, aluminum, alloysthereof or other suitable conductive materials, that is formed in one ormore metallization layers by one or more of a physical vapor depositionprocess, a chemical vapor deposition process, a plating process, orother suitable processes. Other configurations of first rail 218 a orsecond rail 218 b are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, first rail 218 a or second rail 218 b is part ofstandard cell 201 or 501. In some embodiments, first rail 218 a orsecond rail 218 b is not part of standard cell 201 or 501.

IC structure 200 further includes a set of vias 220 a, 220 b and 220 cover first gate structure 214. The set of vias 220 a, 220 b and 220 care electrically coupled to the first gate structure 214, and areconfigured to provide an electrical connection to other layers (notshown). In some embodiments, at least one via of the set of vias 220 a,220 b or 220 c is over a center of the first gate structure 214. In someembodiments, the set of vias 220 a, 220 b and 220 c are on a V0 layer ofIC structure 200. In some embodiments, at least one via of the set ofvias 220 a, 220 b or 220 c is a metal line, a via, a through silicon via(TSV), an inter-level via (ILV), a slot via, an array of vias, oranother suitable conductive line. In some embodiments, at least one viaof the set of vias 220 a, 220 b or 220 c includes copper, aluminum,nickel, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, carbon, alloys thereof or anothersuitable conductive material, that is formed in one or moremetallization layers by one or more of a physical vapor depositionprocess, a chemical vapor deposition process, a plating process, orother suitable processes. In some embodiments, at least one via of theset of vias 220 a, 220 b or 220 c includes one or more conductive lineportions. Other configurations, materials or quantities of the set ofvias 220 a, 220 b and 220 c are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments, at least via 220 a, 220 b or 220 c is part ofstandard cell 201 or 501. In some embodiments, at least via 220 a, 220 bis 220 c is not part of standard cell 201 or 501. In some embodiments,at least the first dummy gate structure 216 a or the second dummy gatestructure 216 b is part of standard cell 201 or 501. In someembodiments, at least the first dummy gate structure 216 a or the seconddummy gate structure 216 b is not part of standard cell 201 or 501.

In some embodiments, the first, second, third or fourth level is usedinterchangeably with the corresponding first, second, third or fourthlayer of the IC structure 200 or 500.

IC structure 200 includes other levels or layers where elements are notshown for clarity of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, thefirst active region 204 a and the second active region 206 a have alarger area than other approaches. As the area of the first activeregion and second active region 206 a of IC structure 200 is increased,IC structure 200 has increased speed performance and power performancecompared to other approaches.

FIG. 3A is a layout design 300A of an IC structure, in accordance withsome embodiments. Layout design 300A is a layout design of a multi-gateIC structure (not shown). Components that are the same or similar tothose in each of FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4, 5A-5B, 6A-6B and 7A-7D aregiven the same reference numbers, and detailed description thereof isthus omitted.

Layout design 300A is a variation of layout design 100 of FIG. 1. Incomparison with layout design 100 of FIG. 1, layout design 300A furtherincludes a second gate layout pattern 314 a and a third gate layoutpattern 314B, and dummy gate layout patterns 140 a, 140 b and 140 creplace first dummy gate layout pattern 116 a, and dummy gate layoutpatterns 142 a, 142 b and 142 c replace second dummy gate layout pattern116 b.

For ease of illustration, the first set of fin layout patterns 110 andthe second set of fin layout patterns 112 in FIG. 1 are not shown inFIGS. 3A-3C, 4, 6B and 7A-7D.

Second gate layout pattern 314 a and third gate layout pattern 314 b aresimilar to first gate layout pattern 114, and detailed description istherefore omitted.

Dummy gate layout patterns 140 a, 140 b and 140 c are similar to firstdummy gate layout pattern 116 a, and dummy gate layout patterns 142 a,142 b and 142 c are similar to second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b,and detailed description is therefore omitted.

Second gate layout pattern 314 a and third gate layout pattern 314 bextend in the second direction Y, and overlap at least the first activeregion layout pattern 104 a, second active region layout pattern 106 a,STI layout pattern 102 a, STI layout pattern 104 b, STI layout pattern106 b, first set of fin layout patterns 110 or the second set of finlayout patterns 112. Second or third gate layout pattern 314 a or 314 bis usable to manufacture a corresponding second or third gate structure(not shown) of IC structure 200.

First gate layout pattern 114 is between the second gate layout pattern314 a and the third gate layout pattern 314 b.

Each gate layout pattern of the first gate layout pattern 114, thesecond gate layout pattern 314 a or the third gate layout pattern 314 bis separated from an adjacent gate layout pattern of the first gatelayout pattern 114, the second gate layout pattern 314 a or the thirdgate layout pattern 314 b by a pitch P3.

Second gate layout pattern 314 a is separated from dummy gate layoutpatterns 140 a, 140 b and 140 c in the first direction X by a pitch P3′.Third gate layout pattern 314 b is separated from dummy gate layoutpatterns 142 a, 142 b and 142 c in the first direction X by a pitch P3′.In some embodiments, pitch P3 is the same as pitch P3′. In someembodiments, pitch P3 differs from pitch P3′.

Dummy gate layout pattern 140 a or 142 a is separated from correspondingdummy gate layout pattern 140 b or 142 b by a distance D1 a. Dummy gatelayout pattern 140 b or 142 b is separated from corresponding dummy gatelayout pattern 140 c or 142 c by a distance D1 b. First rail layoutpattern 118 a and second rail layout pattern 118 b have a correspondingwidth W4 a and W4 b in in the second direction Y. In some embodiments, awidth of widths W4 a, W4 b or a distance of distances D1 a, D1 b is thesame as a different width of widths W4 a, W4 b or a different distanceof distances D1 a, D1 b. In some embodiments, a width of widths W4 a, W4b or a distance of distances D1 a, D1 b is differs from a differentwidth of widths W4 a, W4 b or a different distance of distances D1 a, D1b.

Layout design 300A has a length L1 in the first direction X. In someembodiments, length L1 is increased to accommodate a greater number ofgate layout patterns. As the number of gate layout patterns 114, 314 a,314 b is increased in layout design 300A, the speed of IC structure isincreased and power performance of IC structure is improved compared toother designs. Other configurations or numbers of gate layout patternsor dummy gate layout patterns are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3B is a layout design 300B of an IC structure, in accordance withsome embodiments.

Layout design 300B is a variation of layout design 100 of FIG. 1. Incomparison with layout design 100 of FIG. 1, a first active regionlayout pattern 304 a of layout design 300B replaces the first activeregion layout pattern 104 a of FIG. 1, and an STI layout pattern 304 bof layout design 300B replaces STI layout pattern 104 b of FIG. 1.

First active region layout pattern 304 a is similar to first activeregion layout pattern 104 a, STI layout pattern 304 b is similar to STIlayout pattern 104 b, and similar detailed description of either layoutpattern is therefore omitted.

First active region layout pattern 304 a is usable to manufacture acorresponding first active region (not shown) of IC structure 200, andSTI layout pattern 304 b is usable to manufacture a corresponding STI(not shown) of IC structure 200.

First active region layout pattern 304 a has a width W1 a′ in the seconddirection Y. Width W1 a′ of first active region layout pattern 304 a isdifferent from width W1 a of first active region layout pattern 104 a ofFIG. 1 or width W1 b of second active region layout pattern 106 a.

A center 120 a of first active region layout pattern 304 a is offset orshifted from a center 120 b of first rail layout pattern 118 a by adistance D2. In other words, the center 120 a of first active regionlayout pattern 304 a is not aligned with a center 120 b of first raillayout pattern 118 a. In some embodiments, first rail layout pattern 118a does not overlap first active region layout pattern 304 a. In someembodiments, first rail layout pattern 118 a overlaps a portion of firstactive region layout pattern 304 a.

STI layout pattern 304 b has a width W2 a′ in the second direction Y.Width W2 a′ of STI layout pattern 304 b is different from width W2 a ofSTI layout pattern 104 b of FIG. 1 or width W2 b of STI layout pattern106 b. A center 150 b of STI layout pattern 304 b is shifted from acenter 150 a of STI layout pattern 104 b of FIG. 1 by a distance D2′. Insome embodiments, the center 150 b of STI layout pattern 304 b is notaligned with the center 120 b of first rail layout pattern 118 a. Insome embodiments, the center 150 b of STI layout pattern 304 b isaligned with the center 120 b of first rail layout pattern 118 a. Insome embodiments, first rail layout pattern 118 a overlaps STI layoutpattern 304 b.

In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 a′, W2 a′, W2 b, W4 a(shown in FIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) or a distance of distancesD2 or D2′ is the same as a different width of widths W1, W1 a′, W2 a′,W2 b, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or a different distance of distances D2 orD2′. In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 a′, W2 a′, W2 b, W4 a(shown in FIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) or a distance of distancesD2 or D2′ differs from a different width of widths W1, W1 a′, W2 a′, W2b, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or a different distance of distances D2 orD2′.

FIG. 3C is a layout design 300C of an IC structure, in accordance withsome embodiments.

Layout design 300C is a variation of layout design 100 of FIG. 1. Incomparison with layout design 100 of FIG. 1, a second active regionlayout pattern 306 a of layout design 300C replaces the second activeregion layout pattern 106 a of FIG. 1, and an STI layout pattern 306 bof layout design 300C replaces the STI layout pattern 106 b of FIG. 1.

Second active region layout pattern 306 a is similar to second activeregion layout pattern 106 a, STI layout pattern 306 b is similar to STIlayout pattern 106 b, and similar detailed description of either layoutpattern is therefore omitted.

Second active region layout pattern 306 a is usable to manufacture acorresponding second active region (not shown) of IC structure 200, andSTI layout pattern 306 b is usable to manufacture a corresponding STI(not shown) of IC structure 200.

Second active region layout pattern 306 a has a width W1 b′ in thesecond direction Y. Width W1 b′ of second active region layout pattern306 a is different from width W1 b of second active region layoutpattern 106 a of FIG. 1 or width W1 a of first active region layoutpattern 104 a.

A center 122 a of second active region layout pattern 306 a is offset orshifted from a center 122 b of second rail layout pattern 118 b by adistance D3. In other words, the center 122 a of second active regionlayout pattern 306 a is not aligned with the center 122 b of second raillayout pattern 118 b. In some embodiments, second rail layout pattern118 b does not overlap second active region layout pattern 306 a. Insome embodiments, first rail layout pattern 118 a overlaps a portion ofsecond active region layout pattern 306 a.

STI layout pattern 306 b has a width W2 b′ in the second direction Y.Width W2 b′ of STI layout pattern 306 b is different from width W2 b ofSTI layout pattern 106 b of FIG. 1 or width W2 a of STI layout pattern104 b. A center 152 b of STI layout pattern 306 b is shifted from acenter 152 a of STI layout pattern 106 b of FIG. 1 by a distance D3′. Insome embodiments, the center 152 b of STI layout pattern 306 b is notaligned with the center 122 b of second rail layout pattern 118 b. Insome embodiments, the center 152 b of STI layout pattern 306 b isaligned with the center 122 b of second rail layout pattern 118 b. Insome embodiments, second rail layout pattern 118 b overlaps STI layoutpattern 306 b. In some embodiments, distance D3′ is the same as distanceD3. In some embodiments, distance D3′ is different from distance D3.

In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 a, W1 b′, W2 a, W2 b′, W4a (shown in FIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) or a distance ofdistances D3 or D3′ is the same as a different width of widths W1, W1 a,W1 b′, W2 a, W2 b′, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or a different distance ofdistances D3 or D3′. In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 a, W1b′, W2 a, W2 b′, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) or adistance of distances D3 or D3′ differs from a different width of widthsW1, W1 a, W1 b′, W2 a, W2 b′, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or a differentdistance of distances D3 or D3′. In some embodiments, the first activeregion layout pattern 104 a and the second active region layout pattern106 a have a larger area than other approaches. As the area of the firstactive region layout pattern 106 a and second active area layout pattern106 a is increased, the corresponding active region (first active region204 a and second active region 206 a) of IC structure 200 manufacturedby layout design 100 is increased, resulting in a layout design and acorresponding IC structure (e.g., IC structure 200) with increased speedperformance and power performance compared to other approaches.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a layout design 400 of an IC structure, inaccordance with some embodiments.

Layout design 400 is a variation of layout design 100 of FIG. 1. Incomparison with layout design 100 of FIG. 1, a standard cell 401 oflayout design 400 replaces standard cell 101 of FIG. 1, a first activeregion layout pattern 404 a of layout design 400 replaces the firstactive region layout pattern 104 a of FIG. 1, an STI layout pattern 404b of layout design 400 replaces STI layout pattern 104 b, a secondactive region layout pattern 406 a of layout design 400 replaces thesecond active region layout pattern 106 a of FIG. 1, an STI layoutpattern 406 b of layout design 400 replaces the STI layout pattern 106 bof FIG. 1, a first set of fin layout patterns 410 of layout design 400replaces the first set of fin layout patterns 110 of FIG. 1 and a secondset of fin layout patterns 412 of layout design 400 replaces the secondset of fin layout patterns 112 of FIG. 1.

First active region layout pattern 404 a is similar to first activeregion layout pattern 104 a, second active region layout pattern 406 ais similar to second active region layout pattern 106 a, STI layoutpatterns 404 b and 406 b are similar to corresponding STI layoutpatterns 104 b and 106 b, first set of fin layout patterns 410 issimilar to first set of fin layout patterns 110, second set of finlayout patterns 412 is similar to second set of fin layout patterns 112,and similar detailed description of these layout patterns is thereforeomitted.

Standard cell 401 is similar to standard cell 101, and has a height H2.Height H2 of standard cell 401 differs from height H1 of standard cell101. In some embodiments, height H1 is twice that of height H2. In otherwords, in some embodiments, height H2 is half of height H1. In someembodiments, if height H1 is twice that of height H2, standard cell 101is referred to as a double height cell and standard cell 401 is referredto as a single height cell.

First rail layout pattern 118 a of FIG. 4 and second rail layout pattern118 b of FIG. 4 are outbound power rail layout patterns. A center 120 bof first rail layout pattern 118 a of FIG. 4 is offset or shifted from acenter 120 a of first active region layout pattern 404 a by a distanceD4. In other words, the center 120 a of first active region layoutpattern 404 a is not aligned with the center 120 b of first rail layoutpattern 118 a. First rail layout pattern 118 a does not overlap firstactive region layout pattern 404 a. In some embodiments, first raillayout pattern 118 a overlaps a portion of first active region layoutpattern 404 a. First rail layout pattern 118 a overlaps the side 130 aof standard cell 401. In some embodiments, the center 120 b of firstrail layout pattern 118 a is aligned with the side 130 a of standardcell 401. In some embodiments, first rail layout pattern 118 a overlapsan edge of standard cell 401. In some embodiments, first rail layoutpattern 118 a overlaps a portion of STI layout pattern 404 b.

A center 122 b of second rail layout pattern 118 b of FIG. 4 is offsetor shifted from a center 122 a of second active region layout pattern406 a by a distance D4′. In other words, the center 122 a of secondactive region layout pattern 406 a is not aligned with the center 122 bof second rail layout pattern 118 b. Second rail layout pattern 118 bdoes not overlap second active region layout pattern 406 a. In someembodiments, second rail layout pattern 118 b overlaps a portion ofsecond active region layout pattern 406 a. Second rail layout pattern118 b overlaps the side 130 b of standard cell 401. In some embodiments,the center 122 b of second rail layout pattern 118 b is aligned with theside 130 b of standard cell 401. In some embodiments, second rail layoutpattern 118 b overlaps another edge of standard cell 401. In someembodiments, second rail layout pattern 118 b overlaps a portion of STIlayout pattern 406 b.

First active region layout pattern 404 a is usable to manufacture acorresponding first active region 504 a (shown in FIGS. 5A-5B) of ICstructure 500. First active region layout pattern 404 a has a width W1 cin the second direction Y. Width W1 c of first active region layoutpattern 404 a is different from width W1 a of first active region layoutpattern 104 a of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the width W1 c of firstactive region layout pattern 404 a ranges from 10% to 20% of the widthW1 a of first active region layout pattern 104 a.

STI layout pattern 404 b is usable to manufacture a corresponding STIstructure 504 b (shown in FIGS. 5A-5B) of IC structure 500. STI layoutpattern 404 b has a width W2 c in the second direction Y.

Second active region layout pattern 406 a is usable to manufacture acorresponding second active region 506 a (shown in FIGS. 5A-5B) of ICstructure 500. Second active region layout pattern 406 a has a width W1d in the second direction Y. Width W1 d of second active region layoutpattern 406 a is different from width W1 b of second active regionlayout pattern 106 a of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the width W1 d ofsecond active region layout pattern 406 a ranges from 10% to 20% of thewidth W1 b of second active region layout pattern 106 a.

STI layout pattern 406 b is usable to manufacture a corresponding STIstructure 506 b (shown in FIGS. 5A-5B) of IC structure 500. STI layoutpattern 406 b has a width W2 c′ in the second direction Y.

STI layout pattern 102 a in FIG. 4 has a width W1′ in the seconddirection Y. Width W1′ of STI layout pattern 102 a in FIG. 4 is the sumof width W1, width W2 d and width W2 d′.

First set of fin layout patterns 410 includes fin layout patterns 410 aand 410 b. Other configurations or quantities of fins in the first setof fin layout patterns 410 are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. The first set of fin layout patterns 410 is usable tomanufacture a corresponding first set of fins 510 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5B)of IC structure 500.

Second set of fin layout patterns 412 includes fin layout patterns 412 aand 412 b. Other configurations or quantities of fins in the second setof fin layout patterns 412 are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. The second set of fin layout patterns 412 is usable tomanufacture a corresponding second set of fins 512 (shown in FIGS.5A-5B) of IC structure 500.

In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 c, W1 d, W2 c, W2 c′, W2d, W2 d′, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) or adistance of distances D4 or D4′ is the same as a different width ofwidths W1, W1 c, W1 d, W2 c, W2 c′, W2 d, W2 d′, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A)or a different distance of distances D4 or D4′. In some embodiments, awidth of widths W1, W1 c, W1 d, W2 c, W2 c′, W2 d, W2 d′, W4 a (shown inFIG. 3A) or W4 b (shown in FIG. 3A) or a distance of distances D4 or D4′differs from a different width of widths W1, W1 c, W1 d, W2 c, W2 c′, W2d, W2 d′, W4 a (shown in FIG. 3A) or a different distance of distancesD4 or D4′.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams of an IC structure 500, in accordance withsome embodiments. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of IC structure 500corresponding to layout design 400 as intersected by plane D-D′, andFIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of IC structure 500 corresponding tolayout design 400 as intersected by plane E-E′, in accordance with someembodiments. IC structure 500 is manufactured by layout design 400.Components that are the same or similar to those in FIGS. 2A-2C aregiven the same reference numbers, and detailed description thereof isthus omitted.

Structural relationships and configurations of IC structure 500 aresimilar to the structural relationships and configurations of layoutdesign 400 of FIG. 4, and will not be described in FIGS. 5A-5B forbrevity.

IC structure 500 includes a first active region 504 a, a second activeregion 506 a, an intermediary region 207, STI 208, STI 504 b, STI 506 b,a first set of fins 510, a second set of fins 512, a first gatestructure 214, a first dummy gate structure 216 a, a second dummy gatestructure 216 b, a first rail 218 a, a second rail 218 b and STI 240. Insome embodiments, IC structure is an IC of a standard cell 501.

First active region 504 a is similar to first active region 204 a,second active region 506 a is similar to second active region 206 a, STI504 b and 506 b are similar to corresponding STI 204 b and 206 b, firstset of fins 510 is similar to first set of fins 210, second set of fins512 is similar to second set of fins 212, and similar detaileddescription of these structures is therefore omitted.

First rail 218 a of FIG. 5 and second rail 218 b of FIG. 5 are outboundpower rails. A center of first rail 218 a of FIG. 5 is offset or shiftedfrom a center 520 a of first active region 504 a by a distance D5. Inother words, the center 520 a of first active region 504 a is notaligned with the center of first rail 218 a. First rail 218 a does notoverlap first active region 504 a. In some embodiments, first rail 218 aoverlaps a portion of first active region 504 a. First rail 218 aoverlaps a side 530 a of standard cell 501. In some embodiments, thecenter of first rail 218 a is aligned with the side 530 a of standardcell 501. In some embodiments, first rail 218 a overlaps an edge ofstandard cell 501. In some embodiments, first rail 218 a overlaps aportion of STI 504 b.

A center of second rail 218 b of FIG. 5 is offset or shifted from acenter 522 a of second active region 506 a by a distance D5′. In otherwords, the center 522 a of second active region 506 a is not alignedwith the center of second rail 218 b. Second rail 218 b does not overlapsecond active region 506 a. In some embodiments, second rail 218 boverlaps a portion of second active region 506 a. Second rail 218 boverlaps a side 530 b of standard cell 501. In some embodiments, thecenter of second rail 218 b is aligned with the side 530 b of standardcell 501. In some embodiments, second rail 218 b overlaps another edgeof standard cell 501. In some embodiments, second rail 218 b overlaps aportion of STI 506 b.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a layout design 600A of a portion of an ICstructure, in accordance with some embodiments. For ease ofillustration, FIG. 6A includes additional elements not shown.

Layout design 600A includes an array 601 of standard cells having 1 row(e.g., Row 0) and 4 columns (e.g., Cols. 0, 1, 2 and 3). The 1 row ofcells is arranged in the first direction X and the 4 columns of cellsare arranged in the second direction Y. Row 0 is further divided toinclude 3 sub-rows (e.g., sub-rows A, B and C). The 3 sub-rows of cellsare arranged in the first direction X. One row, three sub-rows and fourcolumns of cells are used for illustration. A different number of rows,sub-rows or columns is within the contemplated scope of the presentdisclosure.

Each of the cells in array 601 corresponds to a standard cell of layoutdesigns 100, 300A, 300B, 300C or 400.

Columns 0 and 2 of array 601 include corresponding cells 602 a and 604a. Column 1 of array 601 includes cells 603 a, 603 b and 603 c. Column 3of array 601 includes cells 605 a, 605 b and 605 c.

Row 0 of array 601 includes cells 602 a, 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 604 a, 605a, 605 b or 605 c. Cells 603 a, 603 b or 603 c are in the samecorresponding sub-row A, B or C as corresponding cells 605 a, 605 b and605 c. For example, sub-row A includes cells 603 a and 605 a, sub-row Bincludes cells 603 b and 605 b and sub-row C includes cells 603 c and605 c.

A cell of cells 602 a, 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 604 a, 605 a, 605 b or 605 cis standard cell 101, 301A, 301B, 301C or 400. In some embodiments,cells 602 a or 604 a is standard cells 101, 301A, 301B or 301C. In someembodiments, cells 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 605 a, 605 b or 605 c isstandard cell 401.

Cells 602 a and 604 a have a height H1 in the second direction Y, andcells 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 605 a, 605 b and 605 c have a height H2 inthe second direction Y. Height H1 of cells 602 a or 604 a differs fromheight H1 of cells 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 605 a, 605 b or 605 c. In someembodiments, height H1 is twice that of height H2. In other words, insome embodiments, height H2 is half of height H1.

An edge of cells in adjacent columns in array 601 are separated fromeach other in the second direction Y by a distance D6. For example, anedge of cell 602 a or 604 a is offset or shifted in the second directionY from an edge of cell 603 a or 605 a by a distance D6. Similarly,another edge of cell 602 a or 604 a is offset or shifted in the seconddirection Y from an edge of cell 603 c or 605 c by distance D6. In someembodiments, distance D6 is 50% of height H2. In some embodiments,distance D6 is 20% of height H1.

In some embodiments, one member of distance D6 or heights H1 or H2 isthe same as a different member of distance D6 or heights H1 or H2. Insome embodiments, one member of distance D6 or heights H1 or H2 differsfrom a different member of distance D6 or heights H1 or H2. In someembodiments, array 601 is an arrangement of cells of height H1alternating with cells of height H2 in the first direction X.

Cells 602 a, 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 604 a, 605 a, 605 b and 605 c have acorresponding center 602 a′, 603 a′, 603 b′, 603 c′, 604 a′, 605 a′, 605b′ and 605 c′.

A center between cells in adjacent columns in array 601 are separatedfrom each other in the first direction X by a pitch P3. For example, acenter 602 a′ of cell 602 a is separated from a center 603 b′ of cell603 b by a pitch P3. Similarly, the center 603 b′ of cell 603 b isseparated from a center 604 a′ of cell 604 a by pitch P3, and the center604 a′ of cell 604 a is separated from a center 605 b′ of cell 605 b bypitch P3.

Different configurations of arrays, layout designs or cells is withinthe contemplated scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a layout design 600B of a portion of an ICstructure, in accordance with some embodiments.

Layout design 600B is a variation of layout design 600A. In comparisonwith layout design 600A, layout design 600B further includes a variationof layout design 100 implemented in each of cells 602 a and 604 a, andlayout design 400 implemented in each of cells 603 a, 603 b and 603 c.In some embodiments, layout design 600B integrates the layout designs ofstandard cells 101, 301A, 301B, and 301C with standard cell 401.

For ease of illustration layout design 600A does not include cells 605a, 605 b and 605 c of column 3 of array 601, first set of fin layoutpatterns 110 and second set of fin layout patterns 112. Differentconfigurations of layout designs or cells is within the contemplatedscope of the present disclosure.

Each of the cells in array 601 corresponds to a standard cell of layoutdesigns 100, 300A, 300B, 300C or 400. For example, cell 602 a, 603 a,603 b, 603 c, 604 a, 605 a, 605 b or 605 c is standard cell 101, 301A,301B, 301C or 400. In some embodiments, cells 602 a or 604 a is standardcells 101, 301A, 301B or 301C. In some embodiments, cells 603 a, 603 b,603 c, 605 a, 605 b or 605 c is standard cell 401.

Cell 602 a or 604 a includes layout design 100 (e.g., standard cell101). Cell 603 a, 603 b or 603 c includes layout design 400 (e.g.,standard cell 401). In some embodiments, one or more of layout designs100, 300A-300C, 400, 700A-700D (shown in FIGS. 7A-7D) is implemented inone or more of cells 602 a, 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 604 a, 605 a, 605 b or605 c.

In comparison with layout design 100 of FIG. 1, dummy gate layoutpatterns 616 a, 616 b and 616 c of cell 602 a replace the first dummygate layout pattern 116 a of FIG. 1, and dummy gate layout patterns 620a, 620 b and 620 c of cell 602 a replace the second dummy gate layoutpattern 116 b of FIG. 1. Alternatively, dummy gate layout patterns 620a, 620 b and 620 c are part of corresponding cells 603 a, 603 b and 603c, and replace the corresponding first dummy gate layout pattern 116 aof FIG. 4 for each corresponding cell 603 a, 603 b and 603 c.

Similarly, dummy gate layout patterns 622 a, 622 b and 622 c of cell 604a replace the first dummy gate layout pattern 116 a of FIG. 1, and dummygate layout patterns 624 a, 624 b and 624 c of cell 604 a replace thesecond dummy gate layout pattern 116 b of FIG. 1. Alternatively, dummygate layout patterns 622 a, 622 b and 622 c are part of correspondingcells 603 a, 603 b and 603 c, and replace the corresponding second dummygate layout pattern 116 b of FIG. 4 for each corresponding cell 603 a,603 b and 603 c.

Dummy gate layout patterns 616 a, 616 b and 616 c are similar tocorresponding dummy gate layout patterns 140 a, 140 b and 140 c, dummygate layout patterns 622 a, 622 b and 622 c are similar to correspondingdummy gate layout patterns 140 a, 140 b and 140 c, and detaileddescription is therefore omitted.

Dummy gate layout patterns 620 a, 620 b and 620 c are similar tocorresponding dummy gate layout patterns 142 a, 142 b and 142 c, dummygate layout patterns 624 a, 624 b and 624 c are similar to correspondingdummy gate layout patterns 142 a, 142 b and 142 c, and detaileddescription is therefore omitted.

In comparison with layout design 100 of FIG. 1, gate layout pattern 617of cell 604 a replaces the first gate layout pattern 114 of FIG. 1.

In comparison with layout design 400 of FIG. 4, gate layout pattern 614a of cell 603 a replaces the first gate layout pattern 114, gate layoutpattern 614 b of cell 603 b replaces the first gate layout pattern 114,gate layout pattern 614 c of cell 603 c replaces the first gate layoutpattern 114, rail layout pattern 618 b of cell 603 a replaces the secondrail layout pattern 118 b of FIG. 4, and rail layout pattern 618 a ofcell 603 c replaces the first rail layout pattern 118 a of FIG. 4.

Gate layout patterns 614 a, 614 b and 614 c are similar to first gatelayout pattern 114 a, rail layout pattern 618 a is similar to first raillayout pattern 118 a, rail layout pattern 618 b is similar to secondrail layout pattern 118 b, and detailed description is thereforeomitted.

Gate layout pattern 614 a is discontinuous from gate layout pattern 614b.

Gate layout pattern 614 b is discontinuous from gate layout pattern 614c.

In some embodiments, a center 120 a of the first active region layoutpattern 104 a of cell 602 a or 604 a is aligned with a side of cell 603a or 603 b in the first direction X. In some embodiments, a center 122 aof the second active region layout pattern 106 a of cell 602 a or 604 ais aligned with a side of cell 603 b or 603 c in the first direction X.

In some embodiments, the first rail layout pattern 118 a overlaps a sideof cell 603 a or 603 b, and center 120 a of the first active regionlayout pattern 104 a of cell 602 a or 604 a. In some embodiments, thesecond rail layout pattern 118 b overlaps a side of cell 603 b or 603 c,and center 122 a of the second active region layout pattern 106 a ofcell 602 a or 604 a.

In some embodiments, the rail layout pattern 618 a overlaps a side ofcell 603 c. In some embodiments, the rail layout pattern 618 b overlapsa side of cell 603 a. In some embodiments, the first active regionlayout pattern 104 a and the second active region layout pattern 106 ahave a larger area than other approaches. As the area of the firstactive region layout pattern 106 a and second active area layout pattern106 a is increased, the corresponding active region (first active region204 a and second active region 206 a) of IC structure 200 manufacturedby layout design 100 or 600B is increased, resulting in a layout design100 or 600B and a corresponding IC structure (e.g., IC structure 200)with increased speed performance and power performance compared to otherapproaches.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of a layout design 700A of a portion of an ICstructure, in accordance with some embodiments.

For ease of illustration, gate layout patterns (e.g., first gate layoutpattern 114, gate layout patterns 614 a-614 c, and 617) of FIG. 6B, raillayout patterns (e.g., first rail layout pattern 118 a, second raillayout pattern 118 b, rail layout patterns 618 a-618 b) of FIG. 6B, anddummy gate layout patterns 616 a-616 c, 620 a-620 c, 622 a-622 c, 624a-624 c of FIG. 6B, are not shown in FIGS. 7A-7D.

Layout design 700A is a variation of layout design 600B. In comparisonwith layout design 600B, an active region layout pattern 702, an activeregion layout pattern 704 and an STI layout pattern 706 of layout design700A replace the first active region layout pattern 104 a of cell 604 aof FIG. 6B.

Active region layout pattern 702 and 704 are similar to first activeregion layout pattern 104 a, STI layout pattern 706 is similar to STIlayout pattern 104 b, and similar detailed description of the layoutpatterns is therefore omitted.

Active region layout pattern 702 extends in the first direction X, has awidth W5 a in the second direction Y.

Active region layout pattern 704 extends in the first direction X, has awidth W5 b in the second direction Y.

STI layout pattern 706 extends in the first direction X, and has a widthW5 c in the second direction Y. STI layout pattern 706 is between activeregion layout pattern 704 and active region layout pattern 702.

In some embodiments, first active region layout pattern 104 a of cell602 a, second active region layout pattern 406 a of cell 603 a, firstactive region layout pattern 404 a of cell 603 b, active region layoutpattern 702, and active region layout pattern 704 form an active regionlayout pattern having an C-shape. Different configurations of layoutdesigns or cells is within the contemplated scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of a layout design 700B of a portion of an ICstructure, in accordance with some embodiments.

Layout design 700B is a variation of layout design 600B. In comparisonwith layout design 600B, active region layout pattern 704 and an STIlayout pattern 710 of layout design 700B replace the first active regionlayout pattern 104 a of cell 604 a of FIG. 6B.

Active region layout pattern 704 is similar to first active regionlayout pattern 104 a, STI layout pattern 710 is similar to STI layoutpattern 104 b, and similar detailed description of the layout patternsis therefore omitted.

STI layout pattern 710 extends in the first direction X, and has a widthW5 a′ in the second direction Y. STI layout pattern 710 is betweenactive region layout pattern 704 and STI layout pattern 104 b of cell604 a.

In some embodiments, first active region layout pattern 104 a of cell602 a, second active region layout pattern 406 a of cell 603 a, firstactive region layout pattern 404 a of cell 603 b and active regionlayout pattern 704 form an active region layout pattern having anG-shape. Different configurations of layout designs or cells is withinthe contemplated scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C is a diagram of a layout design 700C of a portion of an ICstructure, in accordance with some embodiments.

Layout design 700C is a variation of layout design 600B. In comparisonwith layout design 600B, an STI layout pattern 720 of layout design 700Creplaces the first active region layout pattern 404 a of cell 603 b ofFIG. 6B.

STI layout pattern 720 is similar to STI layout pattern 406 b, andsimilar detailed description of the layout patterns is thereforeomitted.

STI layout pattern 720 extends in the first direction X, and has a widthW1 c in the second direction Y. STI layout pattern 720 is between STIlayout pattern 102 a of cell 603 b and STI layout pattern 406 b of cell603 b. The width W1 c of STI layout pattern 720 and the width W2 d ofSTI layout pattern 406 b together have a width W6 a in the seconddirection Y.

In some embodiments, first active region layout pattern 104 a of cell602 a, second active region layout pattern 406 a of cell 603 a, andfirst active region layout pattern 104 a of cell 604 a form an activeregion layout pattern having an N-shape. Different configurations oflayout designs or cells is within the contemplated scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7D is a diagram of a layout design 700D of a portion of an ICstructure, in accordance with some embodiments.

Layout design 700D is a variation of layout design 600B. In comparisonwith layout design 600B, an STI layout pattern 722 of layout design 700Dreplaces the first active region layout pattern 104 a of cell 604 a ofFIG. 6B.

STI layout pattern 722 is similar to STI layout pattern 104 b, andsimilar detailed description of the layout patterns is thereforeomitted.

STI layout pattern 722 extends in the first direction X, and has a widthW6 b in the second direction Y. STI layout pattern 722 is between STIlayout pattern 102 a of cell 604 a and STI layout pattern 104 b of cell604 a.

In some embodiments, first active region layout pattern 104 a of cell602 a, second active region layout pattern 406 a of cell 603 a and firstactive region layout pattern 404 a of cell 603 b form an active regionlayout pattern having another C-shape. Different configurations oflayout designs or cells is within the contemplated scope of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 a, W1 a′, W1 b, W1 b′, W1c, W1 d, W2 a, W2 a′, W2 b, W2 b′, W2 c, W2 c′, W2 d, W2 d′, W4 a, W4 b,W5 a, W5 a′, W5 b, W5 c, W6 a, or W6 b is the same as a different widthof widths W1, W1 a, W1 a′, W1 b, W1 b′, W1 c, W1 d, W2 a, W2 a′, W2 b,W2 b′, W2 c, W2 c′, W2 d, W2 d′, W4 a, W4 b, W5 a, W5 a′, W5 b, W5 c, W6a, or W6 b. In some embodiments, a width of widths W1, W1 a, W1 a′, W1b, W1 b′, W1 c, W1 d, W2 a, W2 a′, W2 b, W2 b′, W2 c, W2 c′, W2 d, W2d′, W4 a, W4 b, W5 a, W5 a′, W5 b, W5 c, W6 a, or W6 b differs from adifferent width of widths W1, W1 a, W1 a′, W1 b, W1 b′, W1 c, W1 d, W2a, W2 a′, W2 b, W2 b′, W2 c, W2 c′, W2 d, W2 d′, W4 a, W4 b, W5 a, W5a′, W5 b, W5 c, W6 a, or W6 b.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 of forming or manufacturing an ICin accordance with some embodiments. It is understood that additionaloperations may be performed before, during, and/or after the method 800depicted in FIG. 8, and that some other processes may only be brieflydescribed herein. In some embodiments, the method 800 is usable to formintegrated circuits, such as IC structure 200 or 500 (FIG. 2A-2C or5A-5B). In some embodiments, the method 800 is usable to form integratedcircuits having similar structural relationships as one or more oflayout designs 100, 300A-300C, 400, 600A-600B, 700A-700D (FIG. 1, 3A-3C,4, 6A-6B or 7A-7D).

In operation 802 of method 800, a first cell layout pattern isgenerated. The first cell layout pattern corresponds to fabricating astandard cell 201 of IC structure 200. In some embodiments, the firstcell layout pattern of method 800 includes one or more of layout designs100, 300A-300C, 600A-600B and 700A-700C. In some embodiments, the firstcell layout pattern of method 800 includes one or more of cells 602 a or604 a shown in FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7D.

In operation 804, the first cell layout pattern is placed on a layoutlevel. In some embodiments, the first cell layout pattern of method 800is placed similar to the orientation of cells 602 a or 604 a shown inlayout design 600A-600B and 700A-700C. In some embodiments, the firstcell layout pattern of method 800 is placed in cells 602 a or 604 a asshown in FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7D. Other configurations of cells or levelsare within the scope of the present disclosure.

In operation 806, a second cell layout pattern is generated. The secondcell layout pattern corresponds to fabricating a standard cell 501 of ICstructure 500. In some embodiments, the second cell layout pattern ofmethod 800 includes one or more of layout designs 400, 600A-600B and700A-700C. In some embodiments, the second cell layout pattern of method800 includes one or more of cells 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 605 a, 605 b or605 c shown in FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7D.

In operation 808, a second cell layout pattern is placed on the layoutlevel. In some embodiments, the second cell layout pattern is placedadjacent to the first cell layout pattern. In some embodiments, thesecond cell layout pattern of method 800 is placed similar to theorientation of cells 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 605 a, 605 b or 605 c shown inlayout designs 600A-600B and 700A-700C. In some embodiments, the secondcell layout pattern of method 800 is placed in cells 603 a, 603 b, 603c, 605 a, 605 b or 605 c shown in FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7D. Otherconfigurations of cells or levels are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In operation 810, IC structure 200 or 500 is manufactured based on atleast the first cell layout pattern or the second cell layout pattern.In some embodiments, operation 808 includes one or more operations tomanufacture a set of masks based on one or more layout patterns (e.g.,the first cell layout pattern or the second cell layout pattern) ofmethod 800 or method 900A-900B. In these embodiments, method 800 furtherincludes one or more operations to manufacture IC structure 200 or 500using the set of masks.

One or more of operations 802, 804, 806 or 808 is performed by aprocessing device (e.g., system 1000 of FIG. 10) configured to executeinstructions for manufacturing an IC, such as IC structure 200 or 500.In some embodiments, one or more of operations 802, 804, 806 or 808 isperformed using a same processing device as that used in a different oneor more of operations 802, 804, 806 or 808. In some embodiments, adifferent processing device is used to perform one or more of operations802, 804, 806 or 808 from that used to perform a different one or moreof operations 802, 804, 806 or 808. In some embodiments, one or more ofoperations 802, 804, 806 or 808 is optional.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart of a method 900A of generating a cell layoutpattern of an IC in accordance with some embodiments. It is understoodthat additional operations may be performed before, during, and/or afterthe method 900A depicted in FIG. 9A, and that some other processes mayonly be briefly described herein. In some embodiments, the method 900Ais usable to generate layout designs 100, 300A-300C, 400, 600A-600B or700A-700D (FIG. 1, 3A-3C, 4, 6A-6B or 7A-7D) of integrated circuits,such as IC structure 200 or 500 (FIG. 2A-2C or 5A-5B). In someembodiments, method 900A is usable to generate layout designs ofintegrated circuits having similar structural relationships as one ormore of layout designs 100, 300A-300C, 400, 600A-600B or 700A-700D (FIG.1, 3A-3C, 4, 6A-6B or 7A-7D).

Method 900A is an embodiment of operation 802 or operation 806 of FIG. 8with similar elements. In some embodiments, operation 802 generates afirst cell layout pattern similar to layout pattern 100 based on method900A, and operation 806 generates a second cell layout pattern similarto layout design 400 based on method 900A. In some embodiments, method900A is repeated to generate additional layout patterns similar to oneor more of layout design 600A-600B or 700A-700D.

In operation 902 of method 900A, a first set of active region layoutpatterns is generated. In some embodiments, the first set of activeregion layout patterns of method 900A includes at least first activeregion layout pattern 104 a, 304 a or 404 a or active region layoutpattern 702 or 704, and detailed description of these layout patterns istherefore omitted.

In operation 904, a second set of active region layout patterns isgenerated. In some embodiments, the second set of active region layoutpatterns of method 900A includes at least second active region layoutpattern 106 a, 306 a or 406 a, or active region layout pattern 702 or704, and detailed description of these layout patterns is thereforeomitted.

In operation 906, a set of STI layout patterns is generated. In someembodiments, the STI layout patterns of method 900A includes at leastSTI layout patterns 102 a, 104 b, 106 b, 304 b, 306 b, 404 b, 406 b,706, 710, 720 or 722, and detailed description of these layout patternsis therefore omitted.

In operation 908, a set of fin layout patterns is generated. In someembodiments, the set of fin layout patterns of method 900A includes atleast the first set of fin layout patterns 110, second set of fin layoutpatterns 112, the first set of fin layout patterns 410 or second set offin layout patterns 412, and detailed description of these layoutpatterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 910, a set of gate layout patterns is generated. In someembodiments, the set of gate layout patterns of method 900A includes atleast the first gate layout pattern 114, second gate layout pattern 314a, third gate layout pattern 314 b, gate layout pattern 614 a, gatelayout pattern 614 b, gate layout pattern 614 c or gate layout pattern617, and detailed description of these layout patterns is thereforeomitted.

In operation 912, a set of dummy gate layout patterns is generated. Insome embodiments, the set of dummy gate layout patterns of method 900Aincludes at least the first dummy gate layout pattern 116 a, seconddummy gate layout pattern 116 b, dummy gate layout pattern 140 a, dummygate layout pattern 140 b, dummy gate layout pattern 140 c, dummy gatelayout pattern 142 a, dummy gate layout pattern 142 b, dummy gate layoutpattern 142 c, dummy gate layout pattern 616 a, dummy gate layoutpattern 616 b, dummy gate layout pattern 616 c, dummy gate layoutpattern 620 a, dummy gate layout pattern 620 b, dummy gate layoutpattern 620 c, dummy gate layout pattern 622 a, dummy gate layoutpattern 622 b, dummy gate layout pattern 622 c, dummy gate layoutpattern 624 a, dummy gate layout pattern 624 b or dummy gate layoutpattern 624 c, and detailed description of these layout patterns istherefore omitted.

In operation 914, a set of via layout patterns is generated. In someembodiments, the set of via layout patterns of method 900A includes atleast via layout pattern 132 a, via layout pattern 132 b, or via layoutpattern 132 c, and detailed description of these layout patterns istherefore omitted.

In operation 916, a set of rail layout patterns is generated. In someembodiments, the set of rail layout patterns of method 900A includes atleast the first rail layout pattern 118 a, second rail layout pattern118 b, rail layout pattern 618 a or rail layout pattern 618 b, anddetailed description of these layout patterns is therefore omitted.

FIG. 9B is a flowchart of a method 900B of placing a cell layout patternof an IC in accordance with some embodiments. It is understood thatadditional operations may be performed before, during, and/or after themethod 900B depicted in FIG. 9B, and that some other processes may onlybe briefly described herein. In some embodiments, the method 900B isusable to place layout designs 100, 300A-300C, 400, 600A-600B or700A-700D (FIG. 1, 3A-3C, 4, 6A-6B or 7A-7D) of integrated circuits,such as IC structure 200 or 500 (FIG. 2A-2C or 5A-5B). In someembodiments, method 900B is usable to place layout designs of integratedcircuits having similar structural relationships as one or more oflayout designs 100, 300A-300C, 400, 600A-600B or 700A-700D (FIG. 1,3A-3C, 4, 6A-6B or 7A-7D).

Method 900B is an embodiment of operation 804 or operation 808 of FIG. 8with similar elements. In some embodiments, operation 804 places a firstcell layout pattern similar to layout pattern 100 based on method 900B,and operation 808 places a second cell layout pattern similar to layoutdesign 400 based on method 900B. In some embodiments, method 900B isrepeated to place additional layout patterns similar to one or more oflayout design 600A-600B or 700A-700D.

In operation 922, the first set of active region layout patterns isplaced on a first layout level. In some embodiments, the first set ofactive region layout patterns of method 900B includes at least firstactive region layout patterns 104 a, 304 a or 404 a, or active regionlayout pattern 702 or 704, and detailed description of these layoutpatterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 924, the second set of active region layout patterns isplaced on the first layout level. In some embodiments, the second set ofactive region layout patterns of method 900B includes at least secondactive region layout patterns 106 a, 306 a or 406 a, or active regionlayout pattern 702 or 704, and detailed description of these layoutpatterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 926, the set of STI layout patterns is placed on a secondlayout level. In some embodiments, at least one member of the set of STIlayout patterns is placed between the first active region layout patternand the second active region layout pattern. In some embodiments, theSTI layout patterns of method 900B includes at least STI layout patterns102 a, 104 b, 106 b, 304 b, 306 b, 404 b, 406 b, 706, 710, 720 or 722,and detailed description of these layout patterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 928, the set of fin layout patterns is placed over thefirst set of active region layout patterns and the second set of activeregion layout pattern. In some embodiments, the set of fin layoutpatterns of method 900B includes at least the first set of fin layoutpatterns 110, second set of fin layout patterns 112, the first set offin layout patterns 410 or second set of fin layout patterns 412, anddetailed description of these layout patterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 930, the set of gate layout patterns is placed on a thirdlayout level. In some embodiments, the set of gate layout patterns ofmethod 900B includes at least the first gate layout pattern 114, secondgate layout pattern 314 a, third gate layout pattern 314 b, gate layoutpattern 614 a, gate layout pattern 614 b, gate layout pattern 614 c orgate layout pattern 617, and detailed description of these layoutpatterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 932, the set of dummy gate layout patterns is placed on thethird layout level. In some embodiments, the set of dummy gate layoutpatterns of method 900B includes at least the first dummy gate layoutpattern 116 a, second dummy gate layout pattern 116 b, dummy gate layoutpattern 140 a, dummy gate layout pattern 140 b, dummy gate layoutpattern 140 c, dummy gate layout pattern 142 a, dummy gate layoutpattern 142 b, dummy gate layout pattern 142 c, dummy gate layoutpattern 616 a, dummy gate layout pattern 616 b, dummy gate layoutpattern 616 c, dummy gate layout pattern 620 a, dummy gate layoutpattern 620 b, dummy gate layout pattern 620 c, dummy gate layoutpattern 622 a, dummy gate layout pattern 622 b, dummy gate layoutpattern 622 c, dummy gate layout pattern 624 a, dummy gate layoutpattern 624 b or dummy gate layout pattern 624 c, and detaileddescription of these layout patterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 934, the set of via layout patterns is placed over the setof gate layout patterns. In some embodiments, the set of via layoutpatterns of method 900A includes at least via layout pattern 132 a, vialayout pattern 132 b, or via layout pattern 132 c, and detaileddescription of these layout patterns is therefore omitted.

In operation 936, the set of rail layout patterns is placed on a fourthlayout level. In some embodiments, the set of rail layout patterns ofmethod 900A includes at least the first rail layout pattern 118 a,second rail layout pattern 118 b, rail layout pattern 618 a or raillayout pattern 618 b, and detailed description of these layout patternsis therefore omitted.

One or more of operations 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, 922,924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 or 936 is performed by a processing device(e.g., system 1000 of FIG. 10) configured to execute instructions formanufacturing an IC, such as IC structure 200 or 500. In someembodiments, one or more of operations 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912,914, 916, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 or 936 is performed using asame processing device as that used in a different one or more ofoperations 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, 922, 924, 926, 928,930, 932, 934 or 936. In some embodiments, a different processing deviceis used to perform one or more of operations 902, 904, 906, 908, 910,912, 914, 916, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 or 936 from that usedto perform a different one or more of operations 902, 904, 906, 908,910, 912, 914, 916, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 or 936. In someembodiments, one or more of operations 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912,914, 916, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 or 936 is optional.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a system 1000 for designing an IC layoutdesign in accordance with some embodiments. System 1000 includes ahardware processor 1002 (hereinafter “processor 1002”) and anon-transitory, computer readable storage medium 1004 (hereinafter“computer readable storage medium 1004”) encoded with, i.e., storing,the computer program code 1006, i.e., a set of executable instructions.Computer readable storage medium 1004 is also encoded with instructions1007 for interfacing with manufacturing machines for producing theintegrated circuit. The processor 1002 is electrically coupled to thecomputer readable storage medium 1004 via a bus 1008. The processor 1002is also electrically coupled to an I/O interface 1010 by bus 1008. Anetwork interface 1012 is also electrically connected to the processor1002 via bus 1008. Network interface 1012 is connected to a network1014, so that processor 1002 and computer readable storage medium 1004are capable of connecting to external elements via network 1014. Theprocessor 1002 is configured to execute the computer program code 1006encoded in the computer readable storage medium 1004 in order to causesystem 1000 to be usable for performing a portion or all of theoperations as described in method 800, 900A or 900B.

In some embodiments, the processor 1002 is a central processing unit(CPU), a multi-processor, a distributed processing system, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or a suitableprocessing unit.

In some embodiments, the computer readable storage medium 1004 is anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/or asemiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, the computerreadable storage medium 1004 includes a semiconductor or solid-statememory, a magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and/or anoptical disk. In some embodiments using optical disks, the computerreadable storage medium 1004 includes a compact disk-read only memory(CD-ROM), a compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W), and/or a digital videodisc (DVD).

In some embodiments, the computer readable storage medium 1004 storesthe computer program code 1006 configured to cause system 1000 toperform method 800, 900A or 900B. In some embodiments, the computerreadable storage medium 1004 also stores information needed forperforming method 800, 900A or 900B as well as information generatedduring performing method 800, 900A or 900B, such as layout design 1016,first set of active region layout patterns 1018, second set of activeregion layout patterns 1020, set of STI layout patterns 1022, set of finlayout patterns 1024, set of gate layout patterns 1026, set of dummygate layout patterns 1028, set of via layout patterns 1030, set of raillayout patterns 1032 and user interface 1034, and/or a set of executableinstructions to perform the operation of method 800, 900A or 900B.

In some embodiments, the computer readable storage medium 1004 storesinstructions 1007 for interfacing with manufacturing machines. Theinstructions 1007 enable processor 1002 to generate manufacturinginstructions readable by the manufacturing machines to effectivelyimplement method 800, 900A or 900B during a manufacturing process.

System 1000 includes I/O interface 1010. I/O interface 1010 is coupledto external circuitry. In some embodiments, I/O interface 1010 includesa keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, and/or cursor directionkeys for communicating information and commands to processor 1002.

System 1000 also includes network interface 1012 coupled to theprocessor 1002. Network interface 1012 allows system 1000 to communicatewith network 1014, to which one or more other computer systems areconnected. Network interface 1012 includes wireless network interfacessuch as BLUETOOTH, WIFI, WIMAX, GPRS, or WCDMA; or wired networkinterface such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE-1394. In some embodiments,method 800, 900A or 900B is implemented in two or more systems 1000, andinformation such as layout design, first set of active region layoutpatterns, second set of active region layout patterns, set of STI layoutpatterns, set of fin layout patterns, set of gate layout patterns, setof dummy gate layout patterns, set of via layout patterns, set of raillayout patterns and user interface are exchanged between differentsystems 1000 by network 1014.

System 1000 is configured to receive information related to a layoutdesign through I/O interface 1010 or network interface 1012. Theinformation is transferred to processor 1002 by bus 1008 to determine alayout design for producing IC structure 200 or 500. The layout designis then stored in computer readable medium 1004 as layout design 1016.System 1000 is configured to receive information related to a first setof active region layout patterns through I/O interface 1010 or networkinterface 1012. The information is stored in computer readable medium1004 as first set of active region layout patterns 1018. System 1000 isconfigured to receive information related to a second set of activeregion layout patterns through I/O interface 1010 or network interface1012. The information is stored in computer readable medium 1004 assecond set of active region layout patterns 1020. System 1000 isconfigured to receive information related to a set of STI layoutpatterns through I/O interface 1010 or network interface 1012. Theinformation is stored in computer readable medium 1004 as set of STIlayout patterns 1022. System 1000 is configured to receive informationrelated to a set of fin layout patterns through I/O interface 1010 ornetwork interface 1012. The information is stored in computer medium1004 as set of fin layout patterns 1024. System 1000 is configured toreceive information related to a set of gate layout patterns through I/Ointerface 1010 or network interface 1012. The information is stored incomputer readable medium 1004 as set of gate layout patterns 1026.System 1000 is configured to receive information related to a set ofdummy gate layout patterns through I/O interface 1010 or networkinterface 1012. The information is stored in computer readable medium1004 as set of dummy gate layout patterns 1028. System 1000 isconfigured to receive information related to a set of via layoutpatterns through I/O interface 1010 or network interface 1012. Theinformation is stored in computer readable medium 1004 as set of vialayout patterns 1030. System 1000 is configured to receive informationrelated to a set of rail layout patterns through I/O interface 1010 ornetwork interface 1012. The information is stored in computer readablemedium 1004 as set of rail layout patterns 1032. System 1000 isconfigured to receive information related to a user interface throughI/O interface 1010 or network interface 1012. The information is storedin computer readable medium 1004 as user interface 1034.

In some embodiments, portions of method 800, 900A or 900B is implementedas a standalone software application for execution by a processor. Insome embodiments, portions of method 800, 900A or 900B is implemented asa software application that is a part of an additional softwareapplication. In some embodiments, portions of method 800, 900A or 900Bis implemented as a plug-in to a software application. In someembodiments, portions of method 800, 900A or 900B is implemented as asoftware application that is a portion of an EDA tool. In someembodiments, portions of method 800, 900A or 900B is implemented as asoftware application that is used by an EDA tool. In some embodiments,the EDA tool is used to generate a layout of the integrated circuitdevice. In some embodiments, the layout is stored on a non-transitorycomputer readable medium. In some embodiments, the layout is generatedusing a tool such as VIRTUOSO® available from CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS,Inc., or another suitable layout generating tool. In some embodiments,the layout is generated based on a netlist which is created based on theschematic design. In some embodiments, method 800, 900A or 900B isimplemented by a manufacturing device configured to manufacture anintegrated circuit (e.g., IC structure 200 or 500) using a set of masksmanufactured based on one or more layout designs (e.g., layout design100, 300A, 300B, 300C, 400, 600A, 600B, 700A, 700B, 700C or 700D)generated by system 1000.

System 1000 of FIG. 10 generates layout designs (e.g., layout design100, 300A, 300B, 300C, 400, 600A, 600B, 700A, 700B, 700C or 700D) of ICstructure 200 or 500 that occupy less area and provide better routingresources than other approaches.

One aspect of this description relates to an integrated circuitstructure. The integrated circuit structure comprising a first cell, afirst rail and a second rail. The first cell comprising a first activeregion, a second active region and a first gate structure. The firstactive region extends in a first direction and is located at a firstlevel. The second active region extends in the first direction, islocated at the first level, and is separated from the first activeregion in a second direction different from the first direction. Thefirst gate structure extends in the second direction, overlaps the firstactive region and the second active region, and is located at a secondlevel different from the first level. The first rail extends in thefirst direction, overlaps the first active region, is configured tosupply a first supply voltage, and is located at a third level differentfrom the first level and the second level. The second rail extends inthe first direction, overlaps the second active region, is located atthe third level, is separated from the first rail in the seconddirection, and is configured to supply a second supply voltage differentfrom the first supply voltage.

Another aspect of this description relates to a method of forming anintegrated circuit structure. The method including placing a first celllayout pattern on a layout level, the first cell layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a first cell of an integrated circuitstructure, the first cell layout pattern comprising a first side and asecond side on an opposite side of the first cell from the first side.The placing the first cell layout pattern comprising placing a firstactive region layout pattern on a first layout level, the first activeregion layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first active regionof the integrated circuit structure, the first active region layoutpattern extending in a first direction. The placing the first celllayout pattern further comprising placing a second active region layoutpattern on the first layout level, the second active region layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a second active region of theintegrated circuit structure, the second active region layout patternextending in the first direction and being separated from the firstactive region layout pattern in a second direction different from thefirst direction. The placing the first cell layout pattern furthercomprising placing a first gate layout pattern on a second layout leveldifferent from the first layout level, the first gate layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a first gate structure of the integratedcircuit structure, the first gate layout pattern extending in the seconddirection, and overlapping the first active region layout pattern andthe second active region layout pattern. The method further comprisingplacing a first rail layout pattern on a third layout level differentfrom the first layout level and the second layout level, the first raillayout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first rail of theintegrated circuit structure, the first rail being configured to supplya first supply voltage, the first rail layout pattern extending in thefirst direction and overlapping the first active region layout pattern.The method further comprising placing a second rail layout pattern onthe third layout level, the second rail layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a second rail of the integrated circuit structure, thesecond rail being configured to supply a second supply voltage differentfrom the first supply voltage, the second rail layout pattern extendingin the first direction, and being separated from the first rail layoutpattern in the second direction, the second rail layout pattern notoverlapping a first side or a second side of the first cell layoutpattern, wherein at least one of the above layout patterns is stored ona non-transitory computer-readable medium, and at least one of the aboveoperations is performed by a hardware processor. The method furthercomprising manufacturing the integrated circuit structure based on atleast one of the above layout patterns of the integrated circuit.

Still another aspect of this description relates to a method of formingan integrated circuit structure. The method including generating a firstcell layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first cell of anintegrated circuit structure. The generating the first cell layoutpattern comprising generating a first active region layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a first active region of the integratedcircuit structure, the first active region layout pattern extending in afirst direction and being located at a first layout level. Thegenerating the first cell layout pattern further comprising generating asecond active region layout pattern corresponding to fabricating asecond active region of the integrated circuit structure, the secondactive region layout pattern extending in the first direction, beinglocated at the first layout level, and being separated from the firstactive region layout pattern in a second direction different from thefirst direction. The generating the first cell layout pattern furthercomprising generating a first gate layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first gate structure of the integrated circuit structure,the first gate layout pattern extending in the second direction,overlapping the first active region layout pattern and the second activeregion layout pattern and being located at a second layout leveldifferent from the first layout level. The method further comprisinggenerating a first rail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating afirst rail of the integrated circuit structure, the first rail layoutpattern extending in the first direction, overlapping the first activeregion layout pattern, and being located at a third layout leveldifferent from the first layout level and the second layout level, thefirst rail being configured to supply a first supply voltage. The methodfurther comprising generating a second rail layout pattern correspondingto fabricating a second rail of the integrated circuit structure, thesecond rail layout pattern extending in the first direction, overlappingthe second active region layout pattern, being located at the thirdlayout level, being separated from the first rail layout pattern in thesecond direction, and the second rail being configured to supply asecond supply voltage different from the first supply voltage, whereinat least one of the above layout patterns is stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium, and at least one of the above operations isperformed by a hardware processor. The method further comprisingmanufacturing the integrated circuit structure based on at least one ofthe above layout patterns of the integrated circuit.

Still another aspect of this description relates to an integratedcircuit structure. The IC structure including a first cell comprising afirst active region extending in a first direction and being located ata first level; a second active region extending in the first direction,being located at the first level, and being separated from the firstactive region in a second direction different from the first direction;a first gate structure extending in the second direction, overlappingthe first active region and the second active region, and being locatedat a second level different from the first level; a first side, and asecond side being an opposite side of the first cell from the firstside; a first rail extending in the first direction, overlapping thefirst active region, being configured to supply a first supply voltage,and being located at a third level different from the first level andthe second level, and a second rail extending in the first direction,being located at the third level, being separated from the first rail inthe second direction, being configured to supply a second supply voltagedifferent from the first supply voltage, and the second rail notoverlapping the first side or the second side. In some embodiments, thefirst active region has a first width in the second direction, and thesecond active region has a second width in the second directiondifferent from the first width. In some embodiments, a center of thesecond active region is not aligned with a center of the second rail. Insome embodiments, the first cell further comprises a second gatestructure extending in the second direction, overlapping the firstactive region and the second active region, and being located at thesecond level, and a third gate structure extending in the seconddirection, overlapping the first active region and the second activeregion, and being located at the second level, the first gate structurebeing between the second gate structure and the third gate structure,the first gate structure being separated from the second gate structureand the third gate structure in the first direction. In someembodiments, the first cell further comprises a set of fins extending inthe first direction and below the first gate structure, each of the finsof the set of fins being separated from an adjacent fin of the set offins in the second direction by a fin pitch, and a set of vias over thegate structure. In some embodiments, IC structure further comprises ashallow trench isolation (STI) structure separating the first activeregion from the second active region. In some embodiments, a center ofthe first rail is aligned with a center of the first active region. Insome embodiments, the first cell comprises a third side; a fourth sidebeing an opposite side of the first cell from the third side; a firstdummy gate structure extending in the second direction and overlappingthe third side, and a second dummy gate structure extending in thesecond direction and overlapping the fourth side. In some embodiments,the first active region has a first dopant type, and the second activeregion has a second dopant type different from the first dopant type.

Still another aspect of this description relates to a method offabricating an integrated circuit structure. The method includinggenerating a first cell layout pattern corresponding to fabricating afirst cell of an integrated circuit structure, generating a first raillayout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first rail of theintegrated circuit structure, the first rail layout pattern extending inthe first direction, overlapping the first active region layout pattern,and being located at a third layout level different from the firstlayout level and the second layout level, the first rail beingconfigured to supply a first supply voltage, and generating a secondrail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second rail of theintegrated circuit structure, the second rail layout pattern extendingin the first direction, being located at the third layout level, andbeing separated from the first rail layout pattern in the seconddirection, and the second rail being configured to supply a secondsupply voltage different from the first supply voltage, the second raillayout pattern not overlapping a first side or a second side of thefirst cell layout pattern, wherein at least one of the above layoutpatterns is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and atleast one of the above operations is performed by a hardware processor,manufacturing the integrated circuit structure based on at least one ofthe above layout patterns of the integrated circuit. In someembodiments, the generating the first cell layout pattern comprisesgenerating a first active region layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first active region of the integrated circuit structure,the first active region layout pattern extending in a first directionand being located at a first layout level; generating a second activeregion layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second activeregion of the integrated circuit structure, the second active regionlayout pattern extending in the first direction, being located at thefirst layout level, and being separated from the first active regionlayout pattern in a second direction different from the first direction,and generating a first gate layout pattern corresponding to fabricatinga first gate structure of the integrated circuit structure, the firstgate layout pattern extending in the second direction, overlapping thefirst active region layout pattern and the second active region layoutpattern and being located at a second layout level different from thefirst layout level. In some embodiments, wherein generating the firstcell layout pattern further comprises generating a set of fin layoutpatterns corresponding to fabricating a set of fins of the integratedcircuit structure, the set of fin layout patterns extending in the firstdirection and below the first gate layout pattern, each of the layoutpatterns of the set of fin layout patterns being separated from anadjacent layout pattern of the set of fin layout patterns in the seconddirection by a fin pitch. In some embodiments, generating the first celllayout pattern further comprises generating a shallow trench isolation(STI) layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a STI structure of theintegrated circuit structure, the STI layout pattern being between thefirst active region layout pattern and the second active region layoutpattern. In some embodiments, generating the first cell layout patternfurther comprises generating a first dummy gate layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a first dummy gate structure of theintegrated circuit structure, the first dummy gate layout patternextending in the second direction and overlapping a third side of thefirst cell layout pattern, and generating a second dummy gate layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a second dummy gate structure ofthe integrated circuit structure, the second dummy gate layout patternextending in the second direction and overlapping a fourth side of thefirst cell layout pattern, the fourth side of the first cell layoutpattern being an opposite side of the first cell layout pattern from thethird side of the first cell layout pattern. In some embodiments,generating the first cell layout pattern further comprises generating aset of via layout patterns corresponding to fabricating a set of vias ofthe integrated circuit structure, the set of via layout patterns beingover the first gate layout pattern, the set of vias being coupled to thegate structure. In some embodiments, the method of fabricating the ICstructure further comprises generating a second cell layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a second cell of the integrated circuitstructure, the second cell layout pattern being adjacent to the firstcell layout pattern and having a height different from a height of thefirst cell layout pattern, the generating the second cell layout patterncomprising: generating a third active region layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a third active region of the integratedcircuit structure, the third active region layout pattern extending inthe first direction and being located at the first layout level;generating a fourth active region layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a fourth active region of the integrated circuit structure,the fourth active region layout pattern extending in the firstdirection, being located at the first layout level, and being separatedfrom the third active region layout pattern in the second direction, andgenerating a second gate layout pattern corresponding to fabricating asecond gate structure of the integrated circuit structure, the secondgate layout pattern extending in the second direction, overlapping thethird active region layout pattern and the fourth active region layoutpattern and being located at the second layout level; and generating athird rail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a third rail ofthe integrated circuit structure, the third rail layout patternextending in the first direction, and being located at the third layoutlevel, the third rail being configured to supply the second supplyvoltage, wherein a center of the first active region layout pattern isaligned with a first side of the second cell layout pattern in the firstdirection, the first rail layout pattern overlaps the first side of thesecond cell layout pattern and the center of the first active regionlayout pattern, and the third rail layout pattern overlaps a second sideof the second cell layout pattern, the second side of the second celllayout pattern being an opposite side of the second cell layout patternfrom the first side of the second cell layout pattern. In someembodiments, generating the first cell layout pattern further comprisesgenerating a second gate layout pattern corresponding to fabricating asecond gate structure of the integrated circuit structure, the secondgate layout pattern extending in the second direction, overlapping thefirst active region layout pattern and the second active region layoutpattern, and being located at the second layout level, and generating athird gate layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a third gatestructure of the integrated circuit structure, the third gate layoutpattern extending in the second direction, overlapping the first activeregion layout pattern and the second active region layout pattern, andbeing located at the second layout level.

Still another aspect of this description relates to a method of formingan integrated circuit structure. The method including placing a firstcell layout pattern on a layout level, the first cell layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a first cell of an integrated circuitstructure; placing a first rail layout pattern on a third layout leveldifferent from the first layout level and the second layout level, thefirst rail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first rail ofthe integrated circuit structure, the first rail being configured tosupply a first supply voltage, the first rail layout pattern extendingin the first direction and overlapping the first active region layoutpattern, and placing a second rail layout pattern on the third layoutlevel, the second rail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating asecond rail of the integrated circuit structure, the second rail beingconfigured to supply a second supply voltage different from the firstsupply voltage, the second rail layout pattern extending in the firstdirection, overlapping the second active region layout pattern, andbeing separated from the first rail layout pattern in the seconddirection; and wherein at least one of the above layout patterns isstored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and at least one ofthe above operations is performed by a hardware processor; andmanufacturing the integrated circuit structure based on at least one ofthe above layout patterns of the integrated circuit. In someembodiments, the placing the first cell layout pattern comprises placinga first active region layout pattern on a first layout level, the firstactive region layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first activeregion of the integrated circuit structure, the first active regionlayout pattern extending in a first direction; placing a second activeregion layout pattern on the first layout level, the second activeregion layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second activeregion of the integrated circuit structure, the second active regionlayout pattern extending in the first direction and being separated fromthe first active region layout pattern in a second direction differentfrom the first direction; placing a set of fin layout patterns on thelayout level, the set of fin layout patterns corresponding tofabricating a set of fins of the integrated circuit structure, the setof fin layout patterns extending in the first direction and being overthe first active region layout pattern and the second active regionlayout pattern, each of the layout patterns of the set of fin layoutpatterns being separated from an adjacent layout pattern of the set offin layout patterns in the second direction by a fin pitch, and placinga first gate layout pattern on a second layout level different from thefirst layout level, the first gate layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first gate structure of the integrated circuit structure,the first gate layout pattern extending in the second direction, andoverlapping the set of fin layout patterns.

In some embodiments, the method of forming the IC structure furthercomprises placing a second cell layout pattern on the layout level, thesecond cell layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second cell ofthe integrated circuit structure, the second cell layout pattern beingadjacent to the first cell layout pattern and having a height differentfrom a height of the first cell layout pattern, the placing the secondcell layout pattern comprising: placing a third active region layoutpattern on the first layout level, the third active region layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a third active region of theintegrated circuit structure, the third active region layout patternextending in the first direction; placing a fourth active region layoutpattern on the first layout level, the fourth active region layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a fourth active region of theintegrated circuit structure, the fourth active region layout patternextending in the first direction, and being separated from the thirdactive region layout pattern in the second direction, and placing asecond gate layout pattern on the second layout level, the second gatelayout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second gate structure ofthe integrated circuit structure, the second gate layout patternextending in the second direction, overlapping the third active regionlayout pattern and the fourth active region layout pattern; and placinga third rail layout pattern on the third layout level, the third raillayout pattern corresponding to fabricating a third rail of theintegrated circuit structure, the third rail layout pattern extending inthe first direction, the third rail being configured to supply thesecond supply voltage, wherein a center of the first active regionlayout pattern is aligned with a first side of the second cell layoutpattern in the first direction, the first rail layout pattern overlapsthe first side of the second cell layout pattern and the center of thefirst active region layout pattern, and the third rail layout patternoverlaps a second side of the second cell layout pattern, the secondside of the second cell layout pattern being an opposite side of thesecond cell layout pattern from the first side of the second cell layoutpattern. In some embodiments, placing the first cell layout patternfurther comprises: placing a set of via layout patterns over the firstgate layout pattern, the set of via layout patterns corresponding tofabricating a set of vias of the integrated circuit structure, the setof vias being coupled to the gate structure. In some embodiments,placing the first cell layout pattern further comprises: placing a firstdummy gate layout pattern over a first side of the first cell layoutpattern, the first dummy gate layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first dummy gate structure of the integrated circuitstructure, the first dummy gate layout pattern extending in the seconddirection, and placing a second dummy gate layout pattern over a secondside of the first cell layout pattern, the second dummy gate layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a second dummy gate structure ofthe integrated circuit structure, the second dummy gate layout patternextending in the second direction, the second side of the first celllayout pattern being an opposite side of the first cell layout patternfrom the first side of the first cell layout pattern.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated circuit structure comprising: afirst cell comprising: a first active region extending in a firstdirection and being located at a first level; a second active regionextending in the first direction, being located at the first level, andbeing separated from the first active region in a second directiondifferent from the first direction, and a first gate structure extendingin the second direction, overlapping the first active region and thesecond active region, and being located at a second level different fromthe first level; a first rail extending in the first direction,overlapping the first active region, being configured to supply a firstsupply voltage, and being located at a third level different from thefirst level and the second level, and a second rail extending in thefirst direction, overlapping the second active region, being located atthe third level, being separated from the first rail in the seconddirection, and being configured to supply a second supply voltagedifferent from the first supply voltage.
 2. The integrated circuitstructure of claim 1, wherein the first cell further comprises: a set offins extending in the first direction and below the first gatestructure, each fin of the set of fins being separated from an adjacentfin of the set of fins in the second direction by a fin pitch.
 3. Theintegrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the first cell furthercomprises: a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure between the firstactive region and the second active region.
 4. The integrated circuitstructure of claim 1, wherein at least the first rail overlaps a centerof the first active region, or the second rail overlaps a center of thesecond active region.
 5. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1,wherein the first cell further comprises: a first side; a second sidebeing an opposite side of the first cell from the first side; a firstdummy gate structure extending in the second direction and overlappingthe first side, and a second dummy gate structure extending in thesecond direction and overlapping the second side.
 6. The integratedcircuit structure of claim 1, further comprising: a set of vias over thefirst gate structure, a first via of the set of vias being separatedfrom a second via of the set of vias in the second direction.
 7. Theintegrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the first active regionhas a first dopant type, and the second active region has a seconddopant type different from the first dopant type.
 8. The integratedcircuit structure of claim 1, further comprising: a second cell adjacentto the first cell, the second cell comprising: a third active regionextending in the first direction and being located at the first level; afourth active region extending in the first direction, being located atthe first level, and being separated from the third active region in thesecond direction; a second gate structure extending in the seconddirection, overlapping the third active region and the fourth activeregion and being located at the second level; a first side, and a secondside being an opposite side of the second cell from the first side,wherein a center of the first active region is aligned with the firstside of the second cell in the first direction, the first rail overlapsthe first side of the second cell and the center of the first activeregion, and a height of the first cell is different from a height of thesecond cell.
 9. The integrated circuit structure of claim 8, furthercomprising: a third rail extending in the first direction, overlappingthe second side of the second cell, being configured to supply thesecond supply voltage, and being located at the third level.
 10. Theintegrated circuit structure of claim 8, wherein the second cellcomprises: a third side; a fourth side being an opposite side of thesecond cell from the third side; a first dummy gate structure extendingin the second direction and overlapping the third side, and a seconddummy gate structure extending in the second direction and overlappingthe fourth side.
 11. A method of fabricating an integrated circuitstructure, the method comprising: placing a first cell layout pattern ona layout level, the first cell layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first cell of the integrated circuit structure, the firstcell layout pattern comprising a first side and a second side on anopposite side of the first cell from the first side, the placing thefirst cell layout pattern comprising: placing a first active regionlayout pattern on a first layout level, the first active region layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a first active region of theintegrated circuit structure, the first active region layout patternextending in a first direction; placing a second active region layoutpattern on the first layout level, the second active region layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a second active region of theintegrated circuit structure, the second active region layout patternextending in the first direction and being separated from the firstactive region layout pattern in a second direction different from thefirst direction; and placing a first gate layout pattern on a secondlayout level different from the first layout level, the first gatelayout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first gate structure ofthe integrated circuit structure, the first gate layout patternextending in the second direction, and overlapping the first activeregion layout pattern and the second active region layout pattern;placing a first rail layout pattern on a third layout level differentfrom the first layout level and the second layout level, the first raillayout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first rail of theintegrated circuit structure, the first rail being configured to supplya first supply voltage, the first rail layout pattern extending in thefirst direction and overlapping the first active region layout pattern;and placing a second rail layout pattern on the third layout level, thesecond rail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second rail ofthe integrated circuit structure, the second rail being configured tosupply a second supply voltage different from the first supply voltage,the second rail layout pattern extending in the first direction, andbeing separated from the first rail layout pattern in the seconddirection, the second rail layout pattern not overlapping a first sideor a second side of the first cell layout pattern, wherein at least oneof the above layout patterns is stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium, and at least one of the above operations isperformed by a hardware processor; and manufacturing the integratedcircuit structure based on at least one of the above layout patterns ofthe integrated circuit structure.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe placing the first cell layout pattern further comprises: placing aset of fin layout patterns on the layout level, the set of fin layoutpatterns corresponding to fabricating a set of fins of the integratedcircuit structure, the set of fin layout patterns extending in the firstdirection and being below the first gate layout pattern, each of thelayout patterns of the set of fin layout patterns being separated froman adjacent layout pattern of the set of fin layout patterns in thesecond direction by a fin pitch.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein theplacing the first cell layout pattern further comprises: placing a firstdummy gate layout pattern over a third side of the first cell layoutpattern, the first dummy gate layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first dummy gate structure of the integrated circuitstructure, the first dummy gate layout pattern extending in the seconddirection, and placing a second dummy gate layout pattern over a fourthside of the first cell layout pattern, the second dummy gate layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a second dummy gate structure ofthe integrated circuit structure, the second dummy gate layout patternextending in the second direction, the fourth side of the first celllayout pattern being an opposite side of the first cell layout patternfrom the third side of the first cell layout pattern.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the placing the first cell layout pattern furthercomprises: placing a set of via layout patterns over the first gatelayout pattern, the set of via layout patterns corresponding tofabricating a set of vias of the integrated circuit structure, the setof vias being coupled to the first gate structure.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: placing a second cell layout pattern onthe layout level, the second cell layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a second cell of the integrated circuit structure, thesecond cell layout pattern being adjacent to the first cell layoutpattern and having a height different from a height of the first celllayout pattern, the placing the second cell layout pattern comprising:placing a third active region layout pattern on the first layout level,the third active region layout pattern corresponding to fabricating athird active region of the integrated circuit structure, the thirdactive region layout pattern extending in the first direction; placing afourth active region layout pattern on the first layout level, thefourth active region layout pattern corresponding to fabricating afourth active region of the integrated circuit structure, the fourthactive region layout pattern extending in the first direction, and beingseparated from the third active region layout pattern in the seconddirection, and placing a second gate layout pattern on the second layoutlevel, the second gate layout pattern corresponding to fabricating asecond gate structure of the integrated circuit structure, the secondgate layout pattern extending in the second direction, overlapping thethird active region layout pattern and the fourth active region layoutpattern; and placing a third rail layout pattern on the third layoutlevel, the third rail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating athird rail of the integrated circuit structure, the third rail layoutpattern extending in the first direction, the third rail beingconfigured to supply the second supply voltage, wherein a center of thefirst active region layout pattern is aligned with a first side of thesecond cell layout pattern in the first direction, the first rail layoutpattern overlaps the first side of the second cell layout pattern andthe center of the first active region layout pattern, and the third raillayout pattern overlaps a second side of the second cell layout pattern,the second side of the second cell layout pattern being an opposite sideof the second cell layout pattern from the first side of the second celllayout pattern.
 16. A method of forming an integrated circuit structure,the method comprising: generating a first cell layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a first cell of the integrated circuitstructure, the generating the first cell layout pattern comprising:generating a first active region layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first active region of the integrated circuit structure;and generating a second active region layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a second active region of the integrated circuit structure,the first active region layout pattern and the second active regionlayout pattern extending in a first direction and being located at afirst layout level, and the second active region layout pattern beingseparated from the first active region layout pattern in a seconddirection different from the first direction; and generating a firstrail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a first rail of theintegrated circuit structure, the first rail layout pattern extending inthe first direction, overlapping the first active region layout pattern,and being located at a second layout level different from the firstlayout level, the first rail being configured to supply a first supplyvoltage, wherein at least one of the above layout patterns is stored ona non-transitory computer-readable medium, and at least one of the aboveoperations is performed by a hardware processor; and manufacturing theintegrated circuit structure based on at least one of the above layoutpatterns of the integrated circuit structure.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein the generating the first cell layout pattern furthercomprises: generating a first gate layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first gate structure of the integrated circuit structure,the first gate layout pattern extending in the second direction,overlapping the first active region layout pattern and the second activeregion layout pattern, and being located at a third layout leveldifferent from the first layout level and the second layout level. 18.The method of claim 17, further comprising: generating a second raillayout pattern corresponding to fabricating a second rail of theintegrated circuit structure, the second rail layout pattern extendingin the first direction, overlapping the second active region layoutpattern, being located at the second layout level, being separated fromthe first rail layout pattern in the second direction, and the secondrail being configured to supply a second supply voltage different fromthe first supply voltage.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein thegenerating the first cell layout pattern further comprises: generating aset of fin layout patterns corresponding to fabricating a set of fins ofthe integrated circuit structure, the set of fin layout patternsextending in the first direction and below the first gate layoutpattern, each layout pattern of the set of fin layout patterns beingseparated from an adjacent layout pattern of the set of fin layoutpatterns in the second direction by a fin pitch; generating a set of vialayout patterns corresponding to fabricating a set of vias of theintegrated circuit structure, the set of via layout patterns being overthe first gate layout pattern, the set of vias being coupled to thefirst gate structure; generating a shallow trench isolation (STI) layoutpattern corresponding to fabricating a STI structure of the integratedcircuit structure, the STI layout pattern being between the first activeregion layout pattern and the second active region layout pattern;generating a first dummy gate layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a first dummy gate structure of the integrated circuitstructure, the first dummy gate layout pattern extending in the seconddirection and overlapping a first side of the first cell layout pattern,and generating a second dummy gate layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a second dummy gate structure of the integrated circuitstructure, the second dummy gate layout pattern extending in the seconddirection and overlapping a second side of the first cell layoutpattern, the second side of the first cell layout pattern being anopposite side of the first cell layout pattern from the first side ofthe first cell layout pattern.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising: generating a second cell layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a second cell of the integrated circuit structure, thesecond cell layout pattern being adjacent to the first cell layoutpattern and having a height different from a height of the first celllayout pattern, the generating the second cell layout patterncomprising: generating a third active region layout patterncorresponding to fabricating a third active region of the integratedcircuit structure, the third active region layout pattern extending inthe first direction and being located at the first layout level;generating a fourth active region layout pattern corresponding tofabricating a fourth active region of the integrated circuit structure,the fourth active region layout pattern extending in the firstdirection, being located at the first layout level, and being separatedfrom the third active region layout pattern in the second direction, andgenerating a second gate layout pattern corresponding to fabricating asecond gate structure of the integrated circuit structure, the secondgate layout pattern extending in the second direction, overlapping thethird active region layout pattern and the fourth active region layoutpattern and being located at the third layout level; and generating athird rail layout pattern corresponding to fabricating a third rail ofthe integrated circuit structure, the third rail layout patternextending in the first direction, and being located at the second layoutlevel, the third rail being configured to supply the second supplyvoltage, wherein a center of the first active region layout pattern isaligned with a first side of the second cell layout pattern in the firstdirection, the first rail layout pattern overlaps the first side of thesecond cell layout pattern and the center of the first active regionlayout pattern, and the third rail layout pattern overlaps a second sideof the second cell layout pattern, the second side of the second celllayout pattern being an opposite side of the second cell layout patternfrom the first side of the second cell layout pattern.